Maurice Woodson, who was born in the Bronx, began his career writing for newspapers such as Amsterdam News, Rockland County Times and The Suburban Herald (which he founded and owned). He has also written for magazines such as Right ON!, Essence, Class, Black Beat and more. An avid historian, Woodson has spent decades researching and studying Black history. As a multi-talented writer, he also spends his time as a screenwriter & filmmaker and has worked on many projects, including working as a script consultant on Law & Order SVU. He is the author of fiction, nonfiction and children's books. Telling stories, simple or complex, he feels is embedded in his DNA.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: Can you tell our readers a little about yourself? How did you become interested in journalism and chronicling the Black experience?
WOODSON: I began my career in the publishing business in the late 80s writing articles and designing layouts and covers for magazines, such as Starlog, Fangoria, Comic Scene, Black Elegance, Right On! and Black Beat Magazines. I worked at Black Beat magazine as Editor in Chief.
In my early 20s, I was fortunate to be mentored by Earl Graves (Black Enterprise, Tony Brown, and Edward Lewis (founder of Essence). Those relationships led to me to launch a newspaper in in upstate New York, The Suburban Herald from 1999-2002.
I've always been interested in the Black Experience, but it wasn't until I discovered a few papers in my grandmother's closet that belonged to Carter G. Woodson that I realized he was part of my family tree. I wish I would have held on to those before she died and most of her belongings were thrown away without any knowledge of the wealth of information they tossed away.
That inspired my 20 year journey of learning true history and Black History.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: What types of journalistic publications have you contributed too? What stories are you most proud of?
WOODSON: Over the years, I've contributed to Starlog, Fangoria, Comic Scene, Black Elegance, Right On! and Black Beat, Class, Noma Beauty Magazine, Essence magazines, The Rockland County Times, Rockland News and my newspaper, The Suburban Herald.
My time at Black Beat was some of my favorite but I was most proud of launching The Suburban Herald for those three years.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: How many books have you published? Do you write in a specific genre or does your work cross genres? I see you have done screen and film work? What did that entail?
WOODSON: I never believed in being put into a box, therefore I'm not locked into a particular genre. I have created 13 children's books because I believe that representation is immensely important. Everyone should be able to see themselves. Also, I believe if schools will not teach accurate history and Black History then it is up to us to do so. Republicans banning books and the demonizing of "WOKE" really inspired "We Know The ABCs Of Black History...Do You?" My book, which doesn't discuss any of the standard well-worn stories, has 92 pages with 89 historical facts focused on inventors, innovators, heroics, leaders and historic moments. Note, there is so much information that I could not cover, so at least two more volumes are planned.
Again, as for genres, I have a murder mystery thriller ,titled, "Nothing To Lose" coming out in October, and a romance thriller coming out in 2025, Never Look Back . In addition to the previousy mentioned material, I worked with my friend the late Lou Lyras, who ran for Congress in Ohio 2022 against Bill Johnson, on a science fiction book.
HISTORIANSPEAKS: What inspired you to write about presidential politics? What message do you want to send to young people? What has been the reception for your books?
WOODSON: I say this in most of my ads: HISTORY IS BEING MADE. There will never be a time like this again and it should be shared with children. It's why I created "If A Bad Man Can Run For President, Then How Is Bad Bad?" It answers a question that so many children and adults are having trouble with in the Age of Trump. I created "We Want To Be Like Kamala" as a tribute to her appeal to children and for adults of all races and backgrounds. I have always tried to promote diversity and inclusivity. I created "Why Has There Never Been A Woman President" to celebrate Kamala Harris' historic winning ot the Democratic nomination, the first time a Black Woman has done that as a sitting female Vice-President. The book teaches the history of all those women who have ran but are never taught in school. Who knew Victoria Woodhull ran for President in 1872 and "enlisted" Fredrick Douglass as her Vice President. I'm amazed at the strong positive reception to my books, especially the history books.
Now, I want to elaborate on why I write and my activism on social media about presidential politics. We are at a precipice. This election we can vote in a the first woman of color to the White House. She has progressive ideas that are filled with hope and dreams of equality, inclusivity and equity.
Or we can allow a "regime" that truly wishes to end democracy, promote an authoritarian religious extremism agenda, and create a dictatorship with no safeguards, checks and balances. The Republicans envision an oligarchy that will rule over the middle class and the poor. I've read all 923 pages of Project 2025 and its terrifying. Too many people I love will be affected in the most horrible ways, including being deported after being in the United States all their lives and raising children here. I won't stand for that!
HISTORIANSPEAKS: In closing, how would you characterize this particular moment in history and how do you think your work tries to capture it?
WOODSON: Its a defining time. It's scary as hell because if we get it wrong, we ALL lose. You think Jim Crow was bad, what's coming will be worst, and moreso for ALL those who aren't in the 1-2%.
I hope that my work can make a difference and maybe open a mind or teach something necessary. I believe we all must do as Michelle Obama said, "Do Something." This is me doing what I love and "Doing Something"
All Books: https://amzn.to/3Mg7bBH
We Know The ABCs Of Black History...Do You?: Volume 1: https://a.co/d/j2gzzbd
We Want To Be Like Kamala: https://a.co/d/blUBAt0
WHY HAS THERE NEVER BEEN A WOMAN PRESIDENT?; https://a.co/d/gopftXp
IF A BAD MAN CAN RUN FOR PRESIDENT, THEN HOW IS BEING BAD...BAD?: https://a.co/d/gN8EUsN
#MauriceWoodson #KamalaHarris #WeKnowtheABC'sofBlackHistory #WeWanttoBeLikeKamala #WhyasThereNeverBeenaWomanPresident
