In 1933, American historian and educator Carter Woodson (1875-1950) delivered a powerful and prophetic denouncement of "Euro-centric"school curricula that still rings true. Woodson inspired black Americans to demand relevant learning opportunities that were inclusive of their own culture and heritage. In issuing this challenge, Woodson laid the foundation for more progressive and egalitarian educational institutions.The thoughts Woodson expressed in addresses and articles formed the basis for this work, described by The New York Times as a challenging book that "throws down the gauntlet to those who have had anything to do with Negro education, whether of white or black race."The founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Woodson was also the author of more than sixteen books and the founder and editor of the Journal of Negro History and the Negro History Bulletin. This landmark work remains essential reading for educators and everyone who seeks to understand the African-American experience.

ForewordPrefaceI. The Seat of the TroubleII. How We Missed the MarkIII. How We Drifted Away from the TruthIV. Education Under Outside ControlV. The Failure to Learn to Make a LivingVI. The Educated Negro Leaves the MassesVII. Dissension and WeaknessVIII. Professional Educated DiscouragedIX. Political Education NeglectedX. The Loss of VisionXI. The Need for Service Rather Than LeadershipXII. Hirelings in the Places of Public ServantsXIII. Understand the NegroXIV. The New ProgramXV. Vocational GuidanceXVI. The New Type of Professional Man RequiredXVII. Higher Strivings in the Service of the CountryXVIII. The Study of the NegroAppendixIndex