Black Women in American History and Culture
Though African Americans have come a long way from enslavement in the
United States and abroad, crusaders for justice are still much needed. As part of
the ongoing commitment to social justice, the 2012 Black History Month theme
embodies the shining example of Black women’s community leadership. Among
a multitude of dedicated women, one important illustration of this commitment
can be claimed by recognizing the 150th Anniversary of Ida B. Wells’s birth (July
16, 1862). As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
celebrates the personal fortitude, community organizing, creative resistance and
political leadership of African American women past and present, we especially
honor Wells’s legacy of championing for her race as well as her gender, which
has left an indelible mark on American society. The international journalistic
activism of her anti-lynching campaign spotlighted the complex construction of
both Black manhood and Black womanhood and challenged all Americans to
view themselves in global context. With an eye on this legacy, this year’s theme
will highlight the work of African American women as vocal agents of change
within all areas of African American communities, the nation and the diaspora.
Black History Month topics will explore African American women in varied areas
from politics, business, education, and labor to entertainment, the arts, sports,
communication and activism. In each forum, the lenses of self-concept, self-
definition and self-determination remain important to accurately interpreting the
range of Black women’s diverse experiences. Black women’s treasure trove of
formal and informal narratives, broad-based oral and intellectual history and
contemporary contributions from all walks of life have only begun to gain due
recognition.
As the nation continues to face challenges of equality and equity, this theme will
help identify a new wave of notable 21st century women who are vigorously
building on 20th century club women’s work. Ohio State Senator Nina Turner's
grandmother told her "There are three things you need to be successful in this
life: a backbone, a wishbone, and a jawbone. Use your backbone for
perseverance, your wishbone for goal setting, and your jawbone for speaking
out." ASALH focuses on Black women in 2012 to recognize the examples of
backbone, wishbone, and jawbone necessary to connect an active past with an
enduring spirit of both celebration and struggle in the future.
Deadline for Submission of panel and paper proposals: Monday, April 16, 2012
All proposals must be submitted electronically at this site. For complete panels
that are submitted by Monday, March 19, day and time preferences will be given
on a first come first served basis. Please refer to the FAQ page for what
constitutes a complete panel at http://www.asalh.org/files/FAQs_sheet.doc.
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