Howard University Announces Dr. Ibram X. Kendi as the Inaugural Carter G. Woodson Endowed Chair in History

Howard University announced Ibram X. Kendi, Ph.D., as the inaugural Carter G. Woodson Endowed Chair in History for the College of Arts and Sciences. Named after the “father of Black history,” the Woodson Chair was created to foster influential, field-defining research and scholarship on Black history, social justice, and American policy which accelerates systemic change and shapes public discourse. The creator of Black History Month, Woodson was a legendary historian, Howard professor, and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.  The Woodson Chair is underwritten by $3 million in gifts from several key benefactors including donations from the Stupski Foundation. 

“The establishment of the Carter G. Woodson Endowed Chair in History affirms Howard University’s enduring responsibility to steward Black history with rigor, integrity, and purpose. Dr. Woodson believed that truth, when carefully studied and widely shared, has the power to liberate minds and transform societies,” said *Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University*. “In appointing Dr. Ibram X. Kendi as the inaugural holder of this chair, we honor that legacy while advancing it. Dr. Kendi’s scholarship, public engagement, and commitment to translating historical insight into meaningful societal change reflects the very best of Howard University’s mission and global impact.” 

Dr. Kendi’s internationally recognized scholarship and public work consistently challenge conventional wisdom on historical and contemporary conceptions of anti-Black racism. He has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and MacArthur “Genuis Grant” Fellowship, and is the author or co-editor of many award-winning and best-selling books, including Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, How to Be an Antiracist, and Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. Dr. Kendi is also the inaugural director of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study. Kendi has written often about Dr. Woodson, particularly how he challenged systemic racism through the study of Black history.   

“To be able to sit in the newly established Woodson Chair at the Mecca is a momentous honor,” said *Dr. Ibram X. Kendi*. “I have long been inspired by Dr. Woodson’s pioneering work as a historian, institution builder, and organizer of the field. I have long been guided by his commitment to making the rigorous study of Black history accessible to everyday people. There are so many historians of Black America carrying on Dr. Woodson’s legacy, and I’m delighted to continue to do so with new vigor and determination in the Woodson Chair.” 

Kendi will also serve as the director of the newly established Howard University Institute for Advanced Study. Built on the highest standards of intellectual inquiry, the institute is dedicated to interdisciplinary study advancing research of importance to the global African Diaspora, including inquiry into race, technology, racism, climate change, and disparities. 

NAACP Honors the Life and Legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., A Son of the Movement

The NAACP mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a transformative leader whose life's work is deeply woven into the history, mission, and enduring impact of our Association and the nation.

A lifelong soldier for justice, Rev. Jackson emerged from the very soil that nurtured the NAACP for over a century. As a young organizer in the 1960s, he labored alongside NAACP leaders, spoke at several national conventions, marched with our members, and helped expand the national movement for racial equality into a broad, people-powered coalition demanding systemic change.

NAACP Chairman of the Board, Leon W. Russell, NAACP Vice Chair of the Board, Karen Boykin Towns, and NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following joint statement:

"Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon — he was family to the NAACP. His work advanced Black America at every turn. He challenged this nation to live up to its highest ideals, and he reminded our movement that hope is both a strategy and a responsibility. His historic run for president inspired millions and brought race to the forefront of American politics. 

"We honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed: protecting the right to vote, expanding economic opportunity, and fighting for the freedom and dignity of Black people everywhere."

Throughout the arc of his ministry and activism, Rev. Jackson remained an unwavering ally and partner to the NAACP. In 1988, NAACP awarded Rev. Jackson the President's Award at the NAACP Image Awards in recognition of his distinguished public service. And, in 1989, Rev. Jackson received the NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement. 

Rev. Jackson's leadership in advancing voting rights, economic justice, and educational opportunity strengthened the very pillars of our community. Whether challenging racially discriminatory policies, uplifting marginalized voices, or building multiracial movements through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he forged a path forward to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure full political, educational, social, and economic equality for all.

Rev. Jackson's passing marks the loss of a towering moral voice, but the movement he helped build will carry his light forward. His legacy calls each of us to stay committed, stay organized, and remain faithful to the pursuit of justice.

NO KINGS MARCH & RALLY IN NEWARK NJ

Chairmen Lawrence Hamm and the The People's Organization For Progress will stage the No Kings March and Rally in Newark NJ.

The march and rally will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, 12:00 noon, starting at the Lincoln Statue, 12 Springfield Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. The purpose of the event is to protest the unjust, undemocratic, racist, fascist, and right-wing policies of President Trump, his administration, the Republican controlled Congress, and the ultra-conservative Supreme Court.

Learn more about the No Kings Rally in Newark and register here: https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesorganizationforprogress/event/895973/

Author Talk: Gloria Browne-Marshall and Lawrence Hamm

Join Gloria Browne-Marshall, Professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) in a presentation of her book, “A Protest History of the United States". The presentation will be followed by a conversation with activist Lawrence Hamm, chairman of the People’s Organization for Progress, and author of "Lawrence Hamm: A Life in the Struggle".

Books will be available for sale and signing, provided by Watchung Booksellers and Lawrence Hamm.

First-come, first-served. Registration recommended.

Date:

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time:

6:00pm - 7:45pm

Location:

Montclair Main - Auditorium

BCCLS Library:

Montclair Public Library

Audience:

  Adults  

Categories: 

  Adult Services    Author Talk     Book Discussion    Books, Film & Theater  

Registration is required. There are 68 seats available. Register here: https://bccls.libcal.com/event/15851731

This Black History Month watch BUFFALO SOLDIERS: FIGHTING ON TWO FRONTS

Black History Month Documentary

BUFFALO SOLDIERS: FIGHTING ON TWO FRONTS, explores the often-contradictory role played by Black soldiers throughout American history, with particular emphasis on the settling of the American West and colonialism abroad. A film by Dru Holley.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY