Robert Woodson, Sr.

Founder and President

Robert L. Woodson, Sr., stands as a towering figure in the realm of social change and community empowerment. As the founder and president of the Woodson Center, 1776 Unites, and Voices of Black Mothers United, Woodson's life work has been centered around poverty alleviation and the empowerment of disadvantaged communities to become self-sufficient.

His journey as a social activist began in the fervent era of the 1960s when, as a zealous young civil rights activist, he orchestrated community revitalization programs at both national and local levels. The following decade saw him at the helm of the National Urban League's Administration of Justice division, furthering his commitment to societal reform. Woodson's insights and expertise led him to serve as a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, influencing policy and thought leadership.

Woodson's voice has resonated through the halls of government and across the airwaves, serving as an advisor to officials and a commentator on leading broadcast platforms such as C-SPAN, CNN, and Tucker Carlson Tonight. His editorial prowess is evident in his contributions to The Hill, The Washington Examiner, and The Wall Street Journal, alongside publications in Forbes, National Review, and other prestigious outlets.

Recognition for his groundbreaking work includes the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, the Bradley Prizes, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the 2018 William Wilberforce Award, among numerous others. The Heritage Foundation honored him with the 2020 Salvatori Prize for American Citizenship, and Hillsdale College bestowed upon him the Freedom Leadership Award.

Woodson's literary contributions include several influential books, such as "On the Road to Economic Freedom," "The Triumphs of Joseph: How Today’s Community Healers are Reviving Our Streets and Neighborhood," and "Lessons From the Least of These: The Woodson Principles." His latest work, the #1 bestseller "Red, White, and Black: Rescuing American History from Revisionists and Race Hustlers," continues to shape the national conversation on history and race.

For more information on Robert L. Woodson, Sr. and his initiatives, visit woodsoncenter.org, 1776unites.org, and voicesofblackmothers.com.