The Mis-Education of the Negro

Carter G. Woodson

The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson is a powerful critique of the American education system’s failure to meet the needs of Black Americans. Written in 1933, Woodson argues that traditional education teaches Black Americans to feel inferior, misguiding them to accept societal roles defined by racial oppression. Woodson explains that this system, deeply rooted in a Eurocentric perspective, ignores African and African American contributions, effectively erasing their history and culture. He believes this approach stunts the intellectual growth of Black students and restricts their potential to develop leadership and critical thinking skills, trapping them in a cycle of dependency and subservience.

Woodson calls for a transformative educational reform, one that would empower Black Americans by affirming their cultural heritage, fostering self-sufficiency, and encouraging community upliftment. He emphasizes the importance of creating educational materials that represent the Black experience and promote economic independence and social responsibility. This work remains an influential blueprint for rethinking how education can better serve marginalized communities by addressing the unique challenges they face. Woodson’s insights continue to resonate today, underscoring the importance of an education system that respects and nurtures the identity, history, and capabilities of all students.