Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 2-1-19

Celebrating Educators
Celebrating Black
The Art Of Education Is A Lifelong Experience
History Month
The month of February is designated as National Black History Month. The study of Black History came about as a re- sult of works of Dr. Carter G. Wood- son.
Born on December 19, 1875, Dr. Woodson was an American historian, author, journalist and the founder of the Association for the Study of African Amer- ican Life and History. Dr. Woodson was one of the first scholars to study African American History.
In 1916, he founded “The Journal of Negro History.” Ten years later, he launched the celebration of Black History with the creation of “Negro History Week.”
The son of former slaves, Dr. Wood- son couldn’t attend school on a regular basis. However, he mastered the funda- mentals of common subjects by the age of 17. In 1895, at the age of 20, he enrolled at Douglass High School, where he earned his diploma in less than two years.
He taught school for two years and was chosen as the Principal of Douglass High School, in 1900. He continued his education at Berea College, in Kentucky and earned his Bachelor of Literature De- gree, in 1903.
CARTER G. WOODSON
Dr. Wood- son later enrolled at the University of Chicago, where he earned A. B. and A. M. Degrees in 1908. He con- tinued his educa- tion and became the second (after W.E.B.Du Bose) to earn a doctorate degree.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Some believe that education begins before birth, while the fetus is still in the womb. Others feel that the process be- gins at birth. No matter what an indi- vidual believes, it is a certainty that, like breathing, education is a constant in the life of any human being.
This year, the Sentinel is focusing on education for Black History. Our theme is: “Celebrating Educators of Future Generations.”
Educators are the frontline on the battlefield that helps a child become ex- traordinary instead of ordinary. They are charged with the task to challenge, shape, mold, cultivate and motivate young minds.
They are the real heroes who our children can look up to as positive ex- amples to follow and strive to imitate.
The parents or caregivers are the first teachers. Infants begin learning and the adults closest to the child have the awesome responsibility of molding that child into a productive adult.
The next formal step in the educa- tion process is when the child enters school. It is at this time that teachers have the awesome responsibility of helping to shape the child in mind and spirit.
Parents trust the teachers to possess a passion to educate and willingness to demonstrate fairness, praise, encour- agement, tolerance, acceptance, hon- esty, and kindness in the classroom.
Teachers possess qualities of cre- ativity, a strong desire to impart knowl- edge into young minds. Teachers have the ability to not only see a child’s abil- ity, but to nurture, and develop it. They plant the seeds of curiosity and create atmospheres conducive to learning.
Several educators, ranging from be- ginning teachers to seasoned educators are featured in this edition. They repre- sent different schools and teach on dif- ferent grade levels.
The Sentinel sent a survey to all principals offering them an opportunity to highlight their respective teachers. The educators featured responded to the questionnaire.
He completed his studies at Harvard Uni- versity and graduated in 1912.
After earning his Ph. D., Dr. Wood- son continued teaching in public schools, and later became a professor at Harvard University. He also served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Realizing that Black History was being ignored or misrepresented, Dr. Wood- son, along with William D. Hart- grove, George Cleveland Hall, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History on Sep- tember 9, 1915.
Dr. Woodson died on April 3, 1950, of a heart attack. He was 74-years-old.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019