On December 19, 1875, Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people who lived in Virginia. Like many Black people at the time, both of Woodson’s parents struggled economically; as a result, Woodson had to work during his childhood. After much studying, Woodson made it to Berea College in Kentucky and later became the second Black person to earn his PhD at Harvard University.

Woodson’s academic career earned him the nickname “the Father of Black History,” and he was the founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (which is referenced in the closing chapters of The Mis-Education of the Negro). Over the course of his life, Woodson was responsible for a number of progressive actions, including organizing the first Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. In addition, he helped publish books on Black history and fought distinctly for Black peoples’ rights and futures. He passed away in 1950 at 74 years of age.

As is reflected by The Mis-Education of the Negro, Woodson cared deeply about creating a better situation for Black people in the United States. His commentary on the failure of public schools is reflected in his own childhood and the difficulties he faced in obtaining an education while living in poverty.