The Mis Education Of The Negro

ONE of the causes of the discovery of America was the translation into action of the desire of European zealots to extend the Catholic religion into other parts. Columbus, we are told, was decidedly missionary in his efforts and felt that he could not make a more significant contribution to the church than to open new fields for Christian endeavor. His final success in securing the equipment adequate to the adventure upon the high seas was to some extent determined by the Christian motives impelling the sovereigns of Spain to finance the expedition for the reason that it might afford an opportunity for promoting the cause of Christ. Some of the French who came to the new world to establish their claims by further discovery and exploration, moreover, were either actuated by similar motives or welcomed the cooperation of earnest workers thus interested. The first persons proselyted by the Spanish and French missionaries were Indians. There was not any particular thought of the Negro.

"Carter G. Woodson didn't just read history. He changed it." As the father of Black History Month, he spent his life introducing others to the history of his people. Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen, so he asked Carter to read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them. "My interest in penetrating the past of my people was deepened," Carter wrote. His journey would take him many more years, traveling around the world and transforming the way people thought about history. From an award-winning team of author Deborah Hopkinson and illustrator Don Tate, this first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes and brief biological sketches of important figures from African and African American history.

Book Includes: The Mis-education of the Negro, Stolen Legacy and The Willie Lynch Letter

In 1921, a dozen years before he wrote his provocative classic, The Mis-Education of the Negro, Carter G. Woodson authored another work of social criticism. A stinging critique of white racism and a sterling defense of the Black race from its detractors, the manuscript was undoubtedly too caustic for white society and the author opted not to publish it in his lifetime. The work was rediscovered and edited by Daryl Michael Scott, professor of History at Howard University.

Dr. Jeff Menzise has taken on the monumental task of reflecting on the bold and timeless work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson (The Mis-Education of the Negro). He unapologetically engages in a conversation with Dr. Woodson, bringing his original ideas forward into the 21st century by introducing his own thoughts and perspectives to this worldwide issue that should concern everyone. Written with the same candor and tone as Dr. Woodson's work, Dr. Menzise presents his thoughts in plain language, making this work accessible to anyone interested in educating, raising, and developing healthy children.

2015 Reprint of 1933 Edition. Full Facsimile of the original edition. Not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. The most imperative and crucial element in Woodson's concept of "Mis-Education" hinged on the education system's failure to present authentic Negro History in schools and the bitter knowledge that there was a scarcity of literature available for such a purpose, because most history books gave little or no space to the black man's presence in America. Some of them contained casual references to Negroes but these generally depicted them in menial, subordinate roles, more or less sub-human. Such books stressed their good fortune at having been exposed, through slavery, to the higher (white man's) civilization. There were included derogatory statements relating to the primitive, heathenish quality of the African background, but nothing denoting skills, abilities, contributions or potential in the image of the Blacks, in Africa or America. Woodson considered this state of affairs deplorable, an American tragedy, dooming the Negro to a brain-washed acceptance of the inferior role assigned to him by the dominant race, and absorbed by him through his schooling.

The Mis-Education of The Negro written by legendary author Carter G. Woodson is widely considered to be one of the top 100 greatest books of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, The Mis-Education of The Negro is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Carter G. Woodson is highly recommended. Published by Classic House Books and beautifully produced, The Mis-Education of The Negro would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library.