Carter Godwin Woodson (1875-1950) was an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of Black History Month. He is considered the first to conduct a scholarly effort to popularize the value of Black History.

"History shows that it does not matter who is in power... those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others, never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they did in the beginning."Dr. Carter G. Woodson was an extraordinary scholar and an important figure in the Afrocentrism movement. Being one of the first people to study African-American history and the history of the African diaspora at large, he is known today as the "Father of Black History," for his incredible contributions to the field. His magnum opus, The Mis-education of the Negro (1933) and its spiritual predecessor The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 (1919) are considered to be among the most comprehensive studies of the history of African-American education in the United States published in the early twentieth century. As individual works, The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 functions as a documentation of the ways in which obtaining education provided mental and intellectual freedom to both enslaved and freed Africans in America; and The Mis-education of the Negro explores the effects of slavery on Black minds, challenging the effectiveness and overall intent of the United States Educational System in regard to the cultural indoctrination of Black Americans. Together, these two works laid the foundation for Woodson's argument in favor of Black History Week, which would eventually grow to be recognized nationally as Black History Month; and are essential to the cultural understanding of the importance in recognizing African-American history as a legitimate field of study.Professionally typeset with a beautifully designed cover, this edition of The Mis-education of the Negro is an indispensable reimagining of a crucial work of Black History for the modern reader.

New to Penguin Classics, one of the most influential works of Black social criticism ever written The Mis-education of the Negro is today considered one of the most influential works by 'the father of Black history', Carter G. Woodson, setting the table for generations of antiracist teaching pioneered by Black educators. As both student and teacher, Woodson witnessed the distortions of Black life in the history and literature taught in schools and universities. He believed that there was a relationship between these distortions and the violence that circumscribed Black life in the material world, declaring, "There would be no lynching it if did not start in the schoolroom." Mixing social criticism, history, theory and memoir, The Mis-education of the Negro argues cogently that students, teachers, and leaders needed to be educated in a manner that was accountable to Black experiences and lived realities, both past and present.

The Mis-Education of the Negro is one of the most important books on education ever written. Carter G. Woodson shows us the weakness of Euro-centric based curriculums that fail to include African American history and culture. This system mis-educates the African American student, failing to prepare them for success and to give them an adequate sense of who they are within the system that they must live. Woodson provides many strong solutions to the problems he identifies. A must-read for anyone working in the education field.

Originally released in 1933, "The Mis-Education of the Negro" continues to resonate today, raising questions that readers are still trying to answer. The impact of slavery on the Black psyche is explored and questions are raised about our education system, such as what and who African Americans are educated for, the difference between education and training, and which of these African Americans are receiving. Woodson provides solutions to these challenges, but these require more study, discipline, and an Afrocentric worldview. This new edition contains a biographical profile of the author, a new introduction, and study questions.

In 1933, American historian and educator Carter Woodson delivered a powerful denouncement of "Euro-centric" school curricula that inspired black Americans to demand relevant learning opportunities inclusive of their own culture and heritage. Similar thoughts, expressed in other addresses and articles, formed the basis for this landmark work by the pioneering crusader of black education.