As a Jewish descendant of Carter G. Woodson, I cherish the history of the Black-Jewish alliance
A discovered connection to Carter G. Woodson made the author’s relationship to Judaism all the stronger
American historian, author, and journalist Carter Godwin Woodson who was dedicated to the celebration of Black history. Photo by Getty Images
We all have identities. Some can easily be seen while others can’t. Being both Black and Jewish is how I identify, and something I am immensely proud of.
My mother, sister and I converted to Judaism in 1995. We were the first Black family who had joined the synagogue Temple Emanu-El in Providence, Rhode Island. This is where I was Bat Mitzvah’d and became entrenched in the Jewish community. Being the only Black family in the synagogue’s history was life changing.
Here in Black History Month, the meaning of my identity resonates even more deeply after my mother told me we are descendants of the man who founded this great holiday: Carter G. Woodson. My maternal great grandmother, Mary Riddle Nicholas was Woodson’s cousin.
Once I found out I was related to Woodson, I was determined to uncover the origins of Black History Month. It actually began as Black History Week, which started in 1926 because of Woodson’s lifelong dedication to celebrating the contributions and positive impact that Black Americans have had on all elements of society.
Not many know the story of Woodson’s upbringing but it’s incredibly inspiring. He was born in 1875 to illiterate parents who were slaves in New Canton, VA. From an early age, Woodson was a go-getter who overcame many obstacles. He was incredibly eager and knew the importance of a good education, which is why he taught himself and mastered common school subjects by the age of 17. From there he obtained a bachelor’s degree in literature from Berea College in Kentucky, and after that he received his master’s from the University of Chicago, and became the second Black American, (W.E.B. Du Bois was the first), to obtain a PhD from Harvard University.
Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and started the scholarly Journal of Negro History, which is still around to this day under the name Journal of African American History. He then went on to publish over 20 books on Black history at a time when Black life wasn’t given the attention it deserved. At 33 years old, my award-winning tech PR agency, Brennan Nevada Inc., is 100% Black, woman, and Jewish owned. It’s a full circle moment knowing that my company keeps Woodson’s legacy alive by amplifying and telling Black, BIPOC, and diverse stories for businesses that don’t usually have access to best-in-class PR and communications services.
It’s moving to know that my family has been making history for decades in both the Black and Jewish community. The history of Blacks and Jews is remarkable to say the least. Which is why it’s disheartening that this history it is oftentimes overlooked, or worse, denied altogether. It’s no secret that systemic racism and antisemitism has always been a part of American life. Being Black and Jewish has made me want to learn more about the relationship between Blacks and Jews.
My mother recently gave me a book called Blacks and Jews. Alliances and Arguments”, by Paul Berman, which explores the relationship, support and sometimes divide that have persisted between the two groups. While reading, I couldn’t help but realize that there has always been unity, respect, and appreciation between Blacks and Jews. From the Civil Rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to now with the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the Israel-Hamas war.
Thinking more about my own experiences while growing up at Temple Emanu-El in Rhode Island, the synagogue was always doing initiatives that would help, aid, and engage the Black community. Tzedakah oftentimes was done for Black and disadvantaged individuals and neighborhoods. Growing up and attending Jewish school at Alperin Schechter, and being one of two Black people including my sister in class, we were taught, read books, and watched movies about racism and slavery in the United States. As I get older, I continue to see the beautiful similarities between Black and Jewish traditions and culture.
With all the hatred towards the Black and Jewish community happening currently, it’s crucial that we come together and prioritize empathy as we heal, knowing that it’s in our cultures to defend justice and freedom for all.
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