The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) 2026 Academic Program Committee is extending our deadline for proposal submissions to June 22, 2026. In consideration of the rapidly changing federal crises we are facing (travel restrictions, economic difficulties, etc.), we wanted to give extra time to scholars, students, organizers, archivists, librarians, artists, curators, elected officials, and others committed to fighting fo the power of Black Studies and History. We want all groups to consider such an important time and an important space, Virginia, where much of the struggle over rights and power are being fought right now. Norfolk, VA with its incredible Black working class community history and stellar HBCUs and other universities provide us with an abundance of resources to exercise our right to self-determination for our rights and power.
ASALH believes that this year’s struggles in Virginia and across the nation are in need of our collective insight, rigor, and solidarity with local Virginians. The erosion of political, economic, social, and cultural power requires a united front to stand firmly for the liberatory nature of African American History and Black Studies. Our 2026 National Conference can be one of the primary spaces where a multitude of groups determine how we can unite our love for Black Studies and how we can marshal networks and resources to win this fight. We did it in Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Now, we need everyone ready to unite for justice and power in Norfolk, Virginia this year. This is for everyone: those who have written new books on African American history; those who have published new articles; independent researchers doing innovative work on A.I. and African American labor and culture; Political scientists with an analysis of the gerrymandering and voting rights struggles; sociologists and anthropologists excavating stories of Black Struggle today; global scholars with insight into colonial wars and international Black solidarity; museum curators and archivists preserving the very history that they seek to erase; public school teachers who are at the forefront of the struggle for Black history in curriculum; grassroots organizers wanting difficult debates and consversations about organizing in such a tumultuous moment; students who are hungry for more knowledge of our history and sites of struggle; finally, anyone with love for Black people and our history.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson created ASALH for these very times where we use our networks and resources to collectively determine how we will produce, defend, and strengthen our Black Studies and History. There is never a more important time than now to use whatever means we have to carry this legacy throughout our spaces. We will be running to the fight this September, but we cannot win without each other.
Please note that we are prioritizing panel submissions now (panel discussions, rountables, workshops, and media sessions). Please consider creating panels for your paper submissions or contact me to help you do so. Please feel free to share and distribute the following CFP widely. You may also contact us by using the form on this page.
You can submit a proposal via All Academic at the link listed below:
SUBMIT ASALH CONFERENCE PROPOSAL
You can also review the FAQ for additional information
Information on conference registration will be available in late spring/summer 2026.