2008 Woodie Awards
Celebrating Black History Month
Parker Smith
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Feature
Americans have annually recognized February as Black History Month since 1926. Carter G. Woodson's, Journal of Negro History started the tradition as, "Negro History Week."
Woodson's goal was to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
This month the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa presents an exhibit featuring the life and times of an influential black inventor, "Iowa Roots, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver." Students from Cornell College recently created a virtual exhibit based on the museum's temporary exhibit. It can be viewed at www.blackiowa.org/aamuseum/ind-ex.html through Aug. 4.
George Washington Carver was born to a slave in southwest Missouri sometime between 1860 and 1865. The records of his birth were lost in the aftermath of the Civil War. Carver left home at a young age in search of a higher education.
He made his way from Missouri to Kansas, where he was denied admission to Highland University because of his race. Eventually he arrived in Winterset and worked there until he was accepted into Simpson College, where he completed one year.
Carver was one of the first African American students to attend Simpson. A professor of Carver's helped him transfer to what was then Iowa State Agricultural and Mechanical College in Ames, where Carver hoped to learn more about science and plants.
He was the first African American student ever to attend Iowa State. He was not allowed to sleep in the residential dormitories or eat in the dining hall.
Even while working to sup-port himself, and sleeping in an old office, Carver excelled in many extra-curricular activities. He joined the National Guard and became the Captain of the student battalion, while also participating in debate, foreign language and art clubs. He was a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was the athletic trainer for the Iowa State football team. He went on to student teach and graduate with a Master's Degree in Agricultural Studies.
Students May view the Carver exhibit online or by visiting the Cultural center located at 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children and students.
Woodson's goal was to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.
This month the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa presents an exhibit featuring the life and times of an influential black inventor, "Iowa Roots, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver." Students from Cornell College recently created a virtual exhibit based on the museum's temporary exhibit. It can be viewed at www.blackiowa.org/aamuseum/ind-ex.html through Aug. 4.
George Washington Carver was born to a slave in southwest Missouri sometime between 1860 and 1865. The records of his birth were lost in the aftermath of the Civil War. Carver left home at a young age in search of a higher education.
He made his way from Missouri to Kansas, where he was denied admission to Highland University because of his race. Eventually he arrived in Winterset and worked there until he was accepted into Simpson College, where he completed one year.
Carver was one of the first African American students to attend Simpson. A professor of Carver's helped him transfer to what was then Iowa State Agricultural and Mechanical College in Ames, where Carver hoped to learn more about science and plants.
He was the first African American student ever to attend Iowa State. He was not allowed to sleep in the residential dormitories or eat in the dining hall.
Even while working to sup-port himself, and sleeping in an old office, Carver excelled in many extra-curricular activities. He joined the National Guard and became the Captain of the student battalion, while also participating in debate, foreign language and art clubs. He was a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and was the athletic trainer for the Iowa State football team. He went on to student teach and graduate with a Master's Degree in Agricultural Studies.
Students May view the Carver exhibit online or by visiting the Cultural center located at 55 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children and students.
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