Black History That Shaped American Education: 4 Trailblazers Who Transformed Early Learning

Happy Black History Month, y’all!

February is a time to reflect on the past with pride and look to the future with hope. It’s a month dedicated to honoring the brave Black figures whose remarkable accomplishments left a lasting impact. The beauty of the Black present is that it exists because of Black history. Everything we are today—and everything we can become—is a result of the valiant fight of our ancestors.

Here are four Black leaders who made significant contributions to the field of early childhood education:

Dr. Carter G. Woodson (December 19, 1875 – April 3, 1950)

I wouldn’t be writing this Black History Month blog today if it weren’t for Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week—an observance that eventually became Black History Month. Dr. Woodson fiercely advocated for reforming the education system to be more inclusive of Black children. His efforts led to incorporating African American history into school curricula, fostering cultural awareness and promoting positive self-identity among students. Because of Dr. Woodson, children from all backgrounds can see themselves proudly represented in their classrooms.

Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III (August 22, 1933 – August 13, 2007)

Like Dr. Woodson, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III understood that cultural awareness is essential to child development—for both teachers and students. While well-meaning individuals may claim they "don’t see color," Dr. Hilliard recognized that racial blindness still had harmful effects on Black learners.

Because the education system was originally designed for wealthy white individuals, Dr. Hilliard championed the inclusion of African and African American history and culture in schools. He also advocated for equitable assessments that account for cultural and community contexts, holistic teaching practices that nurture children from marginalized communities, and training programs that empower teachers to work effectively with all students.

Marian Wright Edelman (June 6, 1939 – Present)

Marian Wright Edelman is a trailblazer in advocating for children’s rights. In 1973, she founded the Children’s Defense Fund to address critical issues such as child poverty, the lack of consideration for children in public policy, and the need for equitable funding in early education programs.

Edelman believes that access to high-quality preschool and early intervention services for children with special needs are key to academic and social success. She has tirelessly championed universal prekindergarten and worked to expand early education opportunities for disadvantaged families. Her advocacy has influenced programs like Head Start and the Child Care and Development Fund, which help low-income families access affordable childcare and early learning programs.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (October 5, 1975 - Present)

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s first surgeon general, is renowned for her groundbreaking work linking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—such as abuse, neglect, dysfunction, and violence—to long-term physical and mental health outcomes. She founded the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, a pioneering institution that focuses on the holistic psychological, social, and physical needs of children in addition to their academic development.

But Dr. Burke Harris didn’t stop with her own practice. She became a national advocate for trauma-informed care in pediatric and early education settings. Thanks to her research and activism, early educators are now better equipped to recognize and address childhood trauma, fostering the well-being of the whole child.

The next time you see a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. craft project, thank Dr. Woodson.

The next time you differentiate an assessment or a lesson plan to reflect your students, thank Dr. Hilliard.

The next time you receive a subsidized childcare payment, thank Mrs. Edelman.

The next time you attend trauma-informed care training, thank Dr. Burke Harris.

Each of these leaders deserves recognition for the transformative contributions they have made (and continue to make) to early learning. Without them, the early childhood education field as we know it would not be the same.