Woodson also founded Associated Publishers, which, in addition to publishing the Journal of Negro History, prepared kits for teachers at all educational levels. Woodson took advantage of the contradictions built into de jure segregation to reach the majority of African American school children in their segregated schools.

Mwatabu Okantah was at Kent State when Black History Month was first celebrated. He reflects on the groundwork laid and why it still matters.

In 1926, a week was dedicated to honoring the contributions of African Americans to the nation. This initiative, initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson,