Many influential Black educators throughout history have played crucial roles in improving the world, yet they often remain underrepresented. Despite systemic barriers and persistent racial inequities, they have been leaders using education as a tool to inspire change for future generations. It is important to recognize the impact they made for future generations and to remind us of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

Personal stories can help bring history to life. These leaders, innovators, and revolutionaries have used education as a tool to combat oppression, uplift communities, and inspire lasting change.

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was a towering figure in American education and one of the most influential Black leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery in 1856, Washington gained recognition as the founder of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama.

Washington believed in vocational training as a means of empowering Black Americans. Under his leadership, Tuskegee became a model for practical education, teaching students skills in agriculture, mechanics, and industry. While his philosophy of accommodation and gradual progress was controversial to some, there’s no denying the lasting impact of his work in expanding educational opportunities for Black communities.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune dedicated her life to education and empowerment. Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents, she became an educator, civil rights leader, and founder of the Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Bethune was a tireless advocate for Black women and children, emphasizing the importance of education as the “great equalizer.” Her motto, “Enter to learn, depart to serve,” reflects her commitment to instilling a sense of purpose and service in her students. Bethune also served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, using her platform to advocate for educational equity and social justice.

W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois was a scholar, sociologist, and educator whose ideas profoundly shaped the landscape of higher education and civil rights. As the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Du Bois advocated for the “Talented Tenth”—a concept emphasizing the development of Black leaders through higher education. He taught at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) and used various platforms to challenge Jim Crow segregation and racial oppression.

Du Bois was a co-founder of the NAACP and edited The Crisis for 25 years. He was a prolific writer whose works, such as The Souls of Black Folk, remain essential readings on race, identity, and justice. 

Carter G. Woodson

Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson revolutionized the way we understand and celebrate African American contributions to history. Born in 1875, Woodson earned a Ph.D. from Harvard and founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He then held the position of Dean at the School of Liberal Arts and Head of the Graduate Faculty at Howard University  after teaching there for several years. 

In 1926, he established what we now recognize as Black History Month. Woodson dedicated himself to promoting the study of Black history and culture, believing that education was vital for dismantling systemic racism.

The Legacy of Influential Black Educators in History

Throughout history, these thought-provoking leaders broke down barriers that once seemed impossible, encouraging people as a whole to aspire to greater heights.

While we’ve celebrated just a few of these amazing trailblazers, it’s important to recognize we only touched on the surface of their collective influence. For every well-known figure, there are numerous teachers, mentors, and unrecognized heroes. Black educators, whether honored or overlooked, have harnessed education as a powerful tool. They remind us that education is more than a profession—it is a calling and a powerful force capable of changing lives and changing the world for the better. 

With Boom Learning’s interactive lessons, today’s educators can illuminate the profound contributions of these historic Black educators. Please explore the Boom store for engaging and interactive resources on Black History Month!