Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center Celebrates Black Excellence

Mr. Pickett gives opening remarks during event

The Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center hosted the Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Madam C. J. Walker Extravaganza in the Cleveland State University Student Center on Feb. 5, 2025, celebrating Black history and excellence. The event featured a performance by The Hue People, captivating the audience with their dynamic entertainment. Adding a special touch of care, Shaw High School Cosmetology students offered free hand massages to attendees, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Following the celebration, Viking Food Co. provided a delicious soul food meal featuring greens, catfish, and grits, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of tradition and culture while reflecting on the contributions of Woodson and Walker.

Shaw Cosmetology gives Dr. Gosselin hand massage

Department of Africana Studies information table

Performance from Hue People

Check out these history facts:

Madam C. J. Walker Early Life & Challenges

Madam C. J. Walker, Wonderful Hair Grower

Born as Sarah Breedlove on Dec. 23, 1867, in Delta, Louisiana, Madam C. J. Walker entered the world on the same plantation where her parents had been enslaved. Orphaned at the age of seven, she faced hardship early on, working in cotton fields alongside her sister to survive. Seeking escape from an unsafe home environment, she married at just 14 years old. However, tragedy struck again when her husband passed away when she was 20, leaving her a single mother determined to build a better future for herself and her child.

Journey to Success

Between 1888 and 1889, Breedlove moved to St. Louis, MI, where she worked as a washerwoman while receiving guidance from members of the National Association of Colored Women. During this time, she struggled with scalp infections and hair loss, prompting her to experiment with her own hair care formula. She later worked as a sales agent for Annie Turnbo’s Poro Company, gaining valuable experience in the hair care industry. In 1905, she relocated to Denver, where a pharmacist taught her basic chemistry, enabling her to develop an ointment designed to promote scalp health and hair growth—laying the foundation for what would become her groundbreaking hair care empire.

Madam C. J. Walker Factory

Business Success & Legacy

Madam C. J. Walker made history as the first woman in America to become a self-made millionaire, revolutionizing hair care for Black women with products like "Wonderful Hair Grower" and "Glossine." In 1910, she expanded her business by building a factory in Indianapolis, but her impact extended beyond product creation—she was a fierce advocate for Black women's economic independence. As early as 1906, she trained thousands through her "Walker System," empowering them with financial opportunities. Her business employed 40,000 Black women and men across the U.S. and the Caribbean, and in 1917, she founded the National Negro Cosmetics Manufacturers Association to support Black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.

While visiting St. Louis in April 1919, Walker became ill, and despite a month-long struggle, she never recovered. On May 25, 1919, she passed away at the age of 51, leaving behind a powerful legacy of entrepreneurship and empowerment. After her passing, her daughter, A’Lelia Walker, took over the company, serving as its president until her own death in August 1931.

A’Lelia Walker

Carter G. Woodson

Dr. Carter G. Woodson Background & Education

Born to formerly enslaved parents on Dec. 19, 1875, in New Canton, Virginia, Carter Godwin Woodson overcame immense obstacles in his pursuit of education. As a child, financial hardships and his responsibilities on the family farm often kept him out of school. During his teenage years, he worked in the coal mines of West Virginia to support his family, yet his determination to learn never wavered. At 17, he began teaching himself common subjects, and by the age of 20, he enrolled in high school, impressively completing his studies in less than two years.

Before earning his bachelor's degree, Woodson worked as both a teacher and a school principal, demonstrating his deep commitment to education. In 1903, he graduated from Berea College in Kentucky with a degree in literature. His passion for learning and global perspectives led him to the Philippines, where he worked as a school supervisor, allowing him to travel throughout Europe and Asia. He later returned to the United States and pursued further education, earning another bachelor's degree and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago in 1908.

Woodson’s academic journey culminated in 1912 when he earned a Ph.D. in History from Harvard University, making him the second African American to achieve this distinction after W.E.B. Du Bois. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and dedication to education laid the foundation for his lifelong mission to document and celebrate Black history, ultimately leading to the establishment of Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month.

Major Contributions to Black History

In 1915, Carter G. Woodson took a groundbreaking step in preserving Black history by founding the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). His goal was to provide scholars with a space to research and document the rich history of Black Americans, which had long been overlooked. A year later, he launched the Journal of Negro History, a scholarly publication dedicated to highlighting Black achievements and historical narratives. The journal, now called the Journal of African American History, continues to be a crucial resource for scholars and historians today.

Woodson’s academic leadership extended beyond his research and publications. From 1919 to 1920, he served as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Howard University, furthering his mission of institutionalizing Black history within higher education. His work as an educator and historian laid the foundation for generations of Black scholars, ensuring that Black history was studied, taught, and respected within academia.

His passion for educating the public about Black achievements led to one of his most enduring legacies—the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson strategically chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (whose exact birth date remains unknown but is celebrated in February). This initiative later evolved into Black History Month, solidifying Woodson’s impact as the “Father of Black History” and ensuring that the contributions of Black Americans would be recognized and celebrated for generations to come.

Legacy

Negro History Week continued to grow in influence over the decades, ultimately becoming Black History Month in 1976, thanks to President Gerald Ford. Recognizing the profound impact of Carter G. Woodson’s work, President Ford emphasized the importance of Black history for all Americans, especially in light of the significant strides made in civil rights. By officially expanding the celebration to a full month, the nation acknowledged the need to honor and reflect on the rich contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

Although Woodson did not live to witness the national recognition of his efforts, his legacy remains deeply embedded in American history. He passed away in 1950 at the age of 74, leaving behind a movement that continues to inspire generations. His dedication to preserving and promoting Black history laid the foundation for a more inclusive historical narrative, ensuring that the achievements, struggles, and resilience of Black Americans are remembered and celebrated each year.