as a harvard trained historian, carter g. woodsonelieved that truth could not be denied, and that reason would prevail over prejudice. he hoped to raise awareness of african-americans' contributions to civilization and it was realized when he and the organization he founded, the association for the study of negro life, and history, conceived in -- conceived and announced negro history week in 1985. by the time of his death, negro history week had become a central part of african-american life and a substantial -- and substantial progress had been made in bringing more americans to appreciate the celebration. at mid century, the mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting negro history week. the celebration was expanded to a month in 1976. the nation bicentennial, gerald r. ford urged americans to seize the opportunity to honor that too often neglected accomplishments of black americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history. that year, 50 years after the first celebration, the association helps the first african