ASALH News

At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), we are closely monitoring a series of executive orders issued by the Trump Administration that we believe will have profound implications for Black Americans. These orders target critical areas such as economic opportunity, education, criminal justice, health equity, and civil rights protections.

With current events constantly impacting the arts and culture field, this page serves as a dedicated hub where we will compile the latest updates, ensuring you to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.

Unlock the power of knowledge and community with us at Freedom School this week! Dive into the transformative study of “Pan-Negroism in the United States” and discover how this movement shaped our past and influences our future.

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is pleased to announce the 2025 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellows in American Art. The program, which is made possible by the Henry Luce Foundation, supports promising emerging scholars as they pursue doctoral research on the history of the visual arts in the United States, including all faces of Native American art.

When you think of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, you probably picture brawny young men cutting trails and hauling boulders to build dams, footbridges, and cabins. Perhaps you envision black-and-white photos depicting teamwork among the picturesque landscapes of places like Yosemite National Park.

This continuation of the groundbreaking documentary series chronicles the ongoing fight for justice, equity, and civil rights from 1977 to 2015.

ASALH mourns the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner, who represented the Fifth District in Houston, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, staff, and constituents.

The U.S. Department of Education has canceled over $600 million in teacher training grants across the country. That’s impacting universities in the Triad. 

Jazz is a gloriously American art form and has driven our country’s culture for generations, mingling storytelling, improvisation, and richly original styles. Passed from elders to new artists, decade by decade since it was first sparked among enslaved Black communities, jazz evokes our collective history and excites our collective imagination. 

Whereas, on behalf of the Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), we wish to record our deep sorrow over the passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson on February 13th, 2025.

The Association for the Study of African American Life, the association that founded African American History month more than a century ago, is using its annual conference to once again take up the charge to ensure history is taught truthfully in the face of current “anti-woke” efforts.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Robert and Charmaine Price Heritage Bowl! The prestigious title and an enriching Black heritage trip to Memphis, Tennessee, belong to none other than Yvonne A. Ewell Magnet High School of Dallas ISD! Their dedication and hard work truly paid off.

ASALH Shares the Loss with the Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch of State Senator Dorothy Johnson

This past weekend, branch Vice-President Robert McClinton placed a wreath on the site of the Carter G. Woodson stature at 9th & Rhode Island, NW in honor of our founder for Black History Month. VP McClinton is to be commended for taking this upon himself. 

African enslaved people were a majority of the year-round population at Middleton Place, In Charleston, South Carolina, home of Declaration of Independence signer Arthur Middleton and once a thriving rice plantation because of African labor and skills.

The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) of Western Pennsylvania is the most colorful tile in our mosaic […]

The American Historical Association (AHA) announces the appointment of Sarah Weicksel as its next executive director. Her appointment follows an extensive national search. She will succeed James Grossman upon his retirement on June 30, 2025.

While Donald Trump was destroying community enrichment DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusive) programs in the federal government in January, the rumors were floating around that the White House was cancelling Black History Month for February 2025.

With some Black History Month activities being scaled back by the federal government, history and education organizations are ramping up efforts to fill the void.

Senator Thompson was a dedicated member of ASALH and was active in the Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch in Central Florida (Orlando). She advocated for Black History and was a frequent speaker at ASALH conferences, especially those held in Florida.

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The Journal of African American History announces the death of Derryn E. Moten, assistant book review editor.

Jacksonville is slated to witness a series of spectacular events in February.  The 125th  anniversary of the widely acclaimed song known as the “Black National Anthem”, Lift Every Voice and Sing, will be commemorated and celebrated in the hometown of two brothers: author, James Weldon Johnson and composer, J. Rosamond Johnson.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is proud to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the partnership of the Our Authors Study Club (OASC), with L.A. mayors to celebrate Black History Month in Los Angeles.

Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC) is continuing its long tradition of honoring the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans during Black History Month in February despite the traumatic wildfires and ongoing recovery.

“Even in this moment of profound challenge, we are reminded of why the vision of Dr. Carter Woodson—the father of this annual salute to Black history—remains so vital to our community’s resilience,” said Dr. Lura Daniels-Ball, president of OASC. Expressing support, grief and condolences to all victims who lost family and possessions, she also acknowledged the deeply rooted African American community in Altadena, which was hard hit by the blazes.

ASALH has now opened its call for 2025 proposals for the Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.

The Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group was a co-sponsor, along with our institutional members, the Clay County African American Legacy, Inc. and William Jewell College, and others, of […]

Statement from the ASALH President, Dr. Karsonya (Kaye) Wise Whitehead, on 2025 Black History Month

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) celebrates African Americans and Labor during its annual Black History Month Luncheon

The Black History Month Festival will feature a rich program of scholarly sessions and many other events that illuminate the importance of the current struggle to own and control our own narrative.

This toolkit is for private cemetery owners, volunteer organizations, historical preservation societies, non-profit and faith -based organizations, and other community-based organizations, and other community-based organizations interested in preserving Veteran legacies through private cemetery restoration.

50th Anniversary Celebration of Bethel Dukes Branch – July 13, 2024

The Executive Council welcomes the following new members:  David Walton as Secretary, John E. Adams as Treasurer, and Kimberly Jeffries Leonard as Corporate Executive Council member.

Today we take a moment to recognize the life and legacy of former President, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate Jimmy Carter, a man whose second Act (after politics) proved even more formidable than his first.

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group held its monthly meeting and annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Birthday Celebration at the […]

ASALH remembers Nikki Giovanni 1943-2024.

We are honored to announce that Marvin Chochotte was awarded the ACH’s 2020 Andrés Ramos Mattei-Neville Hall Article Prize for “The Twilight of Popular Revolutions: The Suppression of Peasant Armed Struggles and Freedom in Rural Haiti during the US Occupation, 1915-1934,” published in The Journal of African American History (Summer 2018).

The AACWERT is a part of the Civil War Round Table (CWRT) community. These round tables have existed for decades and have traditionally brought like minded individuals who have an interest in America’s Civil War together for monthly or quarterly meetings at brick and mortar locations in cities across the nation.

We thank Dr. Brodie for his service to the Membership Committee and the work he did in supporting the 2023 Jacksonville Conference.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group hosted its annual membership recruitment meeting and program at the Black Archives of Mid-America. […]

Join us on February 22, 2025, in Washington, DC, for an unforgettable celebration of culture, history, and unity. General tickets are discounted until December 15th.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is Offering Discounts and Freebies this Month Through Organizations and Companies They’ve Partnered With

ASALH members would like to acknowledge Vice President Kamala Harris for taking her place in history, as the first woman of color to become a major party candidate for the President of the United States. The dignity she has exemplified on the national stage bears witness to the sacred traditions of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.

Chicago, September 5th, 2024 — The Mahdi Theatre Company is proud to announce its upcoming performances of Bronzeville, The Musical, a production that celebrates the enduring legacy of Bronzeville’s vibrant history before it heads to the iconic Apollo Theater in New York City.

ASALH salutes 28-time Grammy winner Quincy Jones, who has died at 91

ASALH’s 2024 #GivingTuesday campaign is dedicated to increasing Woodson Ambassadors for next year’s Annual Conference. Donate Today!

Need a ride to the polls? NAACP has got you covered. Use Lyft code: NAACPVOTE24

Courageous treks by foot, rail and sea are included in the 14 new listings added by the National Park Service to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) today honored the campaign to designate sites in Mississippi and Illinois as the Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument with the National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation.

Continuing the powerful tradition of Black churches leading social progress in America, First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle/Auburn (FAME Church) invites all community members to be part of a historic “Bring Your Ballot to Church” event on Sunday, November 3rd.

FOUR high-quality 18×24 posters suitable for framing PLUS a copy of the Black History Bulletin with suggestions on sharing and teaching content pertaining to the theme. Need it quick? Call the office!

The 110th Annual Conference will be held from September 24-27, 2025 in Atlanta, GA

ASALH Prince George’s County Truth branch member Sistah Joy was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (MSCHF) for her volunteer work throughout the state.

On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group resumed its fall programming with its Founder’s Day Program which was held at the Black Archives of Mid-America-1722 E.

The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) of Western Pennsylvania continues to celebrate Negro Mountain, located in Grantsville, Maryland.

The publishing landscape has undergone significant changes over the past 30 years, and we have been there every step of the way – helping organizations, businesses and non-profits print the products that help them sustain and grow.

Do you know an important but threatened place in your community that could benefit from national advocacy and attention? The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

ASALH mourns the loss of iconic Oscar-winning actor James Earl Jones who passed away Monday, September 9, 2024, at 93 years old.  Let us take the time to celebrate his brilliant career which spans over 6 decades.

ASALH remembers Frankie Beverly 1946-2024. His music was the soundtrack to our family gatherings and celebrations. His voice warmed our souls. Thank you for causing us to dance, smile, and feel Black joy through song. Rest in Peace Dear Brother.

See how ASALH’s Freedom Schools are making headlines.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2020, this day is celebrated on August 31st each year. Its purpose is to honor and recognize the significant contributions, culture, and history of people of African descent worldwide, as well as to address the ongoing challenges they face.

Let us stand together in unity and take action to mobilize our communities to participate in our fundamental right and obligation to vote by encouraging voter registration, voter education, and getting our community out the vote.

For ASALH members who want to learn more about the African American Civil Rights Network (AACRN), please visit the program collaboration page under the Programs tab on the ASALH main page.

ASALH Brings its Conference to the Keystone State with Annual Theme: “African Americans and the Arts”

ASALH is accepting submissions for the 2025 ASALH Book Prize. This is an annual prize for the best new book in African American history and culture. To learn more about the ASALH Book Prize, please visit our webpage.

Kenny better known as Kokayi earned his BA in African American Studies at Georgia State University where he met his mentor and friend Akinyele Umoja. He attended ASALH wearing his bright colors with matching hat and most likely with a camera in hand ready to capture some candid shots.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) internship programs prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop national policies and implement them – from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.

Do you know a historic Black Church that needs funding to strengthen its capital, staffing, or operations? They may be eligible for a Preserving Black Churches grant of $50,000 – $500,000.

Registration is open for the Fall Pilgrimage! Join us October 11-12, 2024 for tours of historic sites, talks on civil rights in Phenix City and the legacy of Horace King, and a special exhibit related to the assassination of Albert Patterson.

The Alabama Historical Association mourns the loss of our 72nd President, Frazine K. Taylor. Taylor was a nationally recognized genealogist and the author of Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama: A Resource Guide.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will open a new illuminating exhibition, “Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism,” Friday, July 19.

Manasota ASALH, Inc. the largest branch of the National Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), has named Jada Wright-Greene Executive Director.

Freedom Schools will offer participants an opportunity to learn about African American history as part of a national effort to counter state legislatures’ attempts to prevent the teaching of accurate African American history in public schools.

In September, 2016, when the Smithsonian’s crown-like National Museum of African American History and Culture (N.M.A.A.H.C.) opened its doors to the public, its founding director, Lonnie G. Bunch III, might easily have rested on his laurels—content, in his words, to know that he’d succeeded in “making the ancestors smile.”

Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., one of the oldest and largest predominantly Black women’s organizations in the United States, announced a $1 million gift to the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation.

The 8th national Slave Dwelling Project Conference will take place October 3-5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania’s McNeil Center for Early American Studies.

The National Park Service announced Thursday that the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park would have a new superintendent starting in August. Reginald Chapple was named to the role, adding to his 12-year career with NPS.

Send a message NOW to President Biden to let him know that people across the nation want this amazing story protected and shared as a National Monument.

As written by Karina Gerry and News 12 Staff Jul 8, 2024, 4:55 PM   Since 2020, the second Monday in July is recognized as Abolition Commemoration Day in New York – […]

For decades, the achievements of Negro Leagues baseball players like Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Satchel Paige existed in a fuzzy realm of legend and lore, their names celebrated but their numbers uncounted in official record books.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bernice Johnson Reagon, a remarkable individual whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our world. As a life member of […]

Edda Fields-Black, a professor of history, has been appointed director of The Humanities Center at Carnegie Mellon University, effective July 1.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group hosted its monthly meeting and program at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Historian and preservationist Michael Allen has been tapped by a British newspaper, The Guardian, to help atone for its recently discovered role in the transatlantic slave trade.

  (View ASALH salutation on page 11)

Explore the 109th Annual Conference events! The full conference program can be viewed HERE

The Association of African American Museums (AAAM) is delighted to announce the allocation of $477,205 in grant funds through the AAAM x AACRN Grant Program.

Rodney Hurst is a lifetime ASALH member and a member of the James Weldon Johnson Branch.

ASALH member Zebulon Miletsky will be honored with the Civil Rights and Humanitarian Award by the 2024 Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Regina Vaughn, President of the Philadelphia Heritage Branch was honored as a Temple University Golden Owl.

There is a persistent false perception that the humanities PhD is primarily a training program for future university faculty researchers. In reality, PhDs in the humanities and interpretive social sciences have meaningful careers in a variety of sectors, from academia to industry, government and nonprofits.

On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the Brown v. Board Education of Topeka case that racially segregated schools were unconstitutional.

Seventy years ago, the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education that outlawed racial segregation in our Nation’s public schools, finding that “separate but equal” is “inherently unequal.”

Pamela Reese Smith is the definition of having a green thumb. She transformed her backyard in the city of Rochester into an urban oasis.

On Monday, May 6, 2024, William Jewell College dedicated a Freedom Walk, one of several ways Jewell’s Racial Reconciliation Commission is telling a fuller and more accurate history of the College founded in 1849.

To Mrs. Elnora Lewis, May 16, 2024 On behalf of ASALH President, Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney and the Executive Council I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the […]

In recent years, conservative lawmakers have sought to limit how public schools teach race and history. To combat those efforts, community groups are stepping in to fill the void.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) strategic goals and mission, NARA archivist, historian, and author Dr. Walter B. Hill, Jr., will be […]

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History proudly announces its Woodson Ambassador Program, which is an early professional training for History, Public History, and Museum Studies Scholars.

ASALH Our Authors Study Club Los Angeles Branch would like to extend invitation to others who may want to take this inaugural curated trip to South Africa with us in November. The last info session is tomorrow, May 2, at Noon and 6:00 PM PST.

ASALH member and former EC member Esquire Gloria Browne Marshall will be speaking at the Library of Congress. We the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of ASALH encourage all able and available in the DMV to attend this robust discourse on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

Welcome to our April newsletter! The AACRN newsletter is your guide to what’s happening in the program, upcoming opportunities, member news, and spotlights.

Free event, in partnership with The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, featuring classical performers and the exploration of Classical Music in American History.

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of our first-time participants and winners at the prestigious 2024 Heritage Bowl. Richardson High School of Richardson, Texas, emerged victorious in the high school category, under the guidance of Coach Ms. Mauriqua Owens.

During the final weekend of Black History Month 2024, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and his younger brother and college professor, Dr. Hasan Jeffries, sat down to discuss the current political season and the recent backlash against African Americans.

South Carolina educator and racial activist Dr. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, passed away March 20.

Newatha Myers has passed on leaving a legacy of being president of the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Foundation for more than 20 years and used her leadership to help raise more than $50,000 for scholarships and to build the Woodson statue on Hal Greer Boulevard in Huntington.

OASC Announces the first of two information sessions in preparation for an immersive eleven day trip to southern Africa November 2024. Limited space is available.

It is with great pride and joy that we announce the High School and Middle School winners of the 2024 Robert and Charmaine Price African American Heritage Bowl. Despite the challenges faced, the spirit of competition and knowledge prevailed as teams showcased their intellect and passion for African American heritage.

The St. Petersburg Branch of ASALH, Inc, is hosting their winter/spring Freedom School session, March 221, April 18, and May 16, 2024.

RAHWAY, NJ — As a lovely coda to Black History Month, students in Mr. David Brighouse’s African American Studies class enjoyed a special surprise last week when a package arrived at the school addressed to their teacher but containing something that was really for them.

Friends of Dorie Ladner, Dorie Ann Ladner, our sister, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024.  She was special in her fierce battles against racism and white supremacy. The great lesson […]

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023-2024 Reader Views Literary Awards program. The Reader Views Literary Awards program helps level the playing field for self-published authors, recognizing the most creative and exciting new books in the industry.

A Birmingham hotel is removing a photo of Confederate army veterans after a guest complained. Ahmar Mustikhan, an activist and writer, said he did not like seeing a photo in the Tutwiler Hotel that depicts a 1916 Confederate veterans reunion.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joined with the four other National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities for a Young Voter Rally and Voter Summit as part of its historic 3rd Annual NPHC Fraternity Days on the Hill initiative, which includes panel discussions and meetings with partners, and other officials, March 10-12.

TO: Members of the Alabama State Legislature   Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) Charles A. Brown-Birmingham, Alabama, Branch Mobile, Alabama, Branch Harper Councill Trenholm […]

The Awards Committee of ASALH seeks nominations from current ASALH members for awards.

In a vibrant tribute to Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continued the legacy of its founder, Dr. Carter G. Woodson in an exciting way, by hosting its 98th annual Black History Month Festival Luncheon on Feb. 24. 

Register and join us virtually Tuesday, March 5th at 9:00 AM for our Opening Plenary featuring an exclusive first look at the 2024 State of Black America Report.

The Nominating Committee of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) seeks nominations for the Executive Council, Class of 2027

On Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group held its annual Black History Month celebration and meeting at the Black Archives of Mid-America located at 1722 E. 17th Ter., Kansas City, MO 64108.

The contributions of Mr. Robert and Dr. Charmaine Price were recognized on February 10, 2024, at the 8th Annual Carter G. Woodson Luncheon of the DFW Branch of ASALH. The luncheon was attended by family, friends, and members of the Dallas education community.

Poor People’s Campaign, an organization led by Rev. William Barber of North Carolina and 2024 Co-Chair of Mobilization and Strategy Dorothy Jackson, is taking steps to mobilize low-income voters in key battleground states ahead of the November election.

Black churches and Freedom Schools are now the sites where frustrated Black Florida residents are bringing family and friends to take uncensored classes on Black History.

Congratulations to Dr. Barbara D. Savage on being named the winner of the 2024 ASALH Book Prize for her remarkable work, ‘Merze Tate’!

“Through this Black History Month and each day we feel the grace of God, let’s act. Let us act in light and truth and freedom. The power really is in our hands. It’s not hyperb- — it’s in our hands.”

Every February, we celebrate the history, achievements, and impact of Black Americans during Black History Month. Black History Month evolved from “Negro History Week,” which was founded in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH).

eople often question why Black History Month happens in February, the shortest month in the calendar year. Historians say there’s a simple answer: Black History Month ― which began in 1926 as Negro History Week ― is in February because it coincides with the birthdays of two important figures in the abolitionist movement: President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Celebrate Langston Hughes’ February 10, 1949 trip to Wilson, NC! Attend all or part of the tour during this fun-filled day.

As written By Kiara Alfonseca   The deadly voting rights campaign known as Freedom Summer, the successful Black labor rights movement during the Great Depression, and the long fight for desegregation […]

The origins of Black History Month can be traced back nearly a hundred years to an unassuming, three-story brick rowhouse in Washington. In 1922, Carter G. Woodson, known as “the father of Black history,” bought the home at 1538 Ninth Street for $8,000.

As written by Vickie Gutierrez Feb. 1, 2024 – For Social Studies teacher Jenecy Griffin, her first rule is simple — have fun.  “There’s never a dull moment when it […]

Watch here!

Joe Madison was a civil rights activist, author, and groundbreaking radio personality. He was a great supporter of ASALH, our events and programs,  and Black life, history, and culture. His […]

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — In a collaborative effort, the Fort Mose Historical Society and the Florida State Parks Foundation hosted a historic groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Now, therefore, the mayor and City Council of the city of Baker, Louisiana, do hereby proclaim and declare that the month of February 2024 shall be known as African American history month in Baker, Louisiana. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hand and caused to be affixed the seal of the city of baker, Louisiana, this 23rd day of January 2024.

The 98th Annual Black History Month Luncheon and Virtual Festival Souvenir Journal is available in digital format for an immersive journey through history!

The Memorial Foundation, builders of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, announced today its third Social Justice Fellows Program cohort. The Foundation will engage fifty emerging leaders nationwide through a virtual eight-week curriculum centered around advocacy, community organizing and public policy.

We are highlighting the importance of sharing and celebrating Joy within the Black community and beyond. The celebration of positivity, freedom, and the fulfillment of being yourself. The Denton Black Film Festival has grown into a five-day event that allows you, our guest, to immerse yourself in some of the best artistic showcases of cinema, music, spoken word, art and more.

We are excited to share our Network to Freedom 2023 Wrap-Up Newsletter. This newsletter is a celebration of the incredible achievements, collaborations, and milestones that have defined the Network throughout the year.

The winner(s) of the ASALH Book Prize will be announced on ASALH TV on February 20th at 6:00 p.m. EST. This event is part of the 2024 ASALH Black History Month Festival.

On Saturday December 2, 2023, The Prince George’s County Truth Branch held The Mis-Education Remix- A banned books celebration and discussion.

The 47th stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Constance Baker Motley (1921-2005), civil rights pioneer and the first African American woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and the first to serve as a federal judge.

The Carter G. Woodson Luncheon will be held in honor of Robert and Charmaine Price, two individuals who are “Education Advocates and Community Leaders for Over 60 Years”.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is proud to announce the Annual Black History theme of African Americans and the Arts for 2024.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is proud to announce that it has selected Bertis D. English, professor of history at Alabama State University (ASU), as the new editor for the Journal of African American History (JAAH). Dr. English will succeed Dr. Pero G. Dagbovie of Michigan State University, who served as editor for several years.

ASALH will celebrate the return of our annual in-person Black History Month Luncheon on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown

Trust for Public Land achieved a milestone in 2023, formally launching the Black History and Culture initiative, after decades of protecting Black spaces as an organic part of the mission. […]

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today designated 16 new National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) and two new National Natural Landmarks (NNLs). The designations reflect the importance of the sites in sharing America’s rich history and extraordinary natural features.

The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce the launch of a special resource study (SRS) of the historic Dearfield Settlement, located approximately 25 miles east of Greeley in Weld County, Colorado. Established by entrepreneur Oliver Toussaint Jackson in 1910, Dearfield was the largest African American homesteading settlement in Colorado, reaching its peak in the late 1910s and early 1920s.

Do you own, work with, or know of a property, facility, or program that helps to tell the story of African American civil rights histories? How would
you like to contribute to the growing network that commemorates and interprets civil rights stories and histories that is ongoing? If so, please join the African American Civil Rights Network which is a collection of properties, facilities, and programs that offer a comprehensive overview of the people, places, and events associated with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and African American civil rights histories.

Today, the first day of Black History Month 2023, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the introduction of his National Council on African American History and Culture Act of 2023 in the United States House of Representatives.

The Council of Presidents (COP) of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., the leadership body representing the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, expresses concern about Florida’s hostile policies and treatment of African Americans and marginalized communities during the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) conference in Tampa, Florida from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2.

Join us on February 24, 2024, at the Westin in Washington, DC, for an unforgettable celebration of culture, history, and unity. General tickets start at just $150! Secure your spot early and be part of this empowering experience!

Join the National Park Service and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH), as we come together to celebrate the 148th anniversary of the birth of “the Father of African American History”, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson and the 90th Anniversary of his most important work, The Mis-Education of the Negro.

K-12 Teachers Apply for Free Access to the Virtual Sessions from the 2023 Annual Conference in Jacksonville

Vice-President of the Rose Family Cleveland ASALH Branch interviewed Dr. Craig Woodson, President of the Rose Family Cleveland ASALH Branch. Dr. Woodson told his story of how he realized in 1984 that after years of studying African drumming and three years of musical research in Ghana that his family was among the first enslavers of Africans in Jamestown in 1619.

Since January 2018, retired Army Col. Edna W. Cummings has worked to bring recognition to the all-black WWII Women’s Army Corps unit the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion also known as the Six Triple Eight.

The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Special Resource Study is complete.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 PRESS CONTACT: Kenrick Thomas [email protected] Washington, D.C. — The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) is proud to announce that Denise Rolark Barnes, […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                 October 24, 2023 CONTACT: David G. Wilkins, President, Manasota ASALH   (989) 980-0555 Dave Harralson,  Corresponding Secretary (941) 870-5516   $200,000 Community Foundation of Sarasota County Grant […]

Los Angeles, CA – Our Authors Study Club, an organization dedicated to making the world more aware of, more connected to, and more invested in the African American and the […]

ASALH member Gloria Browne-Marshall wins an EMMY for “Your Democracy” as writer and host of this animated series on the U.S. Constitution produced by WHYY, an affiliate of PBS/NPR.

  Dear Attendees, ASALH Members and Friends, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who joined us at the 108th Annual ASALH Meeting & […]

Robin White Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, Petroglyph National Monument, William […]

On Saturday, the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group hosted its annual Founder’s Day program at the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The meeting featured speaker, Attorney Gilbert R. (Mickey) Dean.

Join the Center for Civil Rights History and Research for a reception and conversation with the veterans of the Civil Rights Movement in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Panelists include Rodney Hurst, Oveta Glover, Dr. Millicent Brown, and Dr. Dan Carter. Learn how their resilience, tenacity, and determination changed and continue to change the world.

By ALEXANDRA SACCONE Undergraduate English major Published September 8, 2023   A new historical marker celebrating Black suffragist Charlotte Dett was unveiled recently during a ceremony in Niagara Falls, thanks to […]

NewYorkRep celebrates 10 years of producing theatre that inspires social change with a dinner benefit event on September 18 at Harbor Lights Yacht – Skyport Marina (2430 FDR Drive, NYC). Honoring five women who have impacted theatre, the benefit evening celebrates NewYorkRep founder Gayle D. Waxenberg, and producer and an theatre artist advocate Nan Barnett, playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks (War Words, H*tler’s Tasters), playwright Gloria J. Browne Marshall (Shot: Caught A Soul, Dreams of Emmett Till), and director and NewYorkRep Artistic Director Sarah Norris (War Words, H*tler’s Tasters).

In a powerful display of unity and resilience, the oldest African American History organization in the US, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and the courageous Jacksonville community are holding an inspiring workshop/gathering to challenge the unjust policies which make it a crime to teach the history, culture, and literature of Black Americans.

The ASALH conference runs from Sept 20-24 with a focus on Black resistance and the teaching of Black history. Published August 29, 2023 at 9:50 AM EDT | WUSF Public […]

The members of the ASALH are saddened by the killing of Angela Michelle Carr, 52; Anolt Joseph Laguerre Jr., known as A.J., 29, who worked at the Dollar General Store; and Jerrald De’Shau by another deranged gunman.

It’s not too late to register for Robert’s Rules of Order webinar on August 23!

ASALH Brings its Conference to Jacksonville, Florida with Annual Theme: “Black Resistance”

Florida’s Board of Education’s new “academic standards” require middle school children to learn “how slaves developed skills which in some instances could be applied for their personal benefit.”

President Joe Biden will leverage his executive authority to create the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Education has appointed six new members to the Florida Commissioner of Education’s African American History Task Force weeks after 10 Investigates exposed the task force has been shrinking for years.

Today, the Descendants of Rosewood Foundation, Inc. announced a significant milestone for the families of those lost during the historic 1923 Rosewood massacre.

Celebrating the BHB’s 85th anniversary with the theme of Black Resistance, the award-winning and interactive digital cover was recognized in the Education category, marking the first national honor for the coveted publication.

Dr. Lois Harrison-Jones, Professor Emerita of the Howard University, School of Education and the Past National President of NABSE and Continental Societies, Inc.® was recently recognized and honored by two […]

W Marvin Dulaney, founding branch member Joan Bouldin submitted an article to the Dallas County Chronicle, a newsletter of the Dallas County Historical Commission, summarizing the incredible festivities that took […]

The NAACP has posted a Travel Advisory for the State of Florida. They outline how advocacy can be a part of your visit.

The James Weldon Johnson Branch of ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life and History) held its 28th Anniversary of the founding of the branch and commemorated the 152nd birthday of James Weldon Johnson at The River Club, Suite 3400, 1 Independent Drive in Jacksonville, Florida.

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, James Weldon Johnson Branch of ASALH President Hazel Gillis, a member of the Duval County Public School African American History Task Force attended the African American History Summer Writing Institute Showcase to the public along with some members of the branch.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Pride Month, 2023

Charles L. Blockson, world-renowned historian of African American culture, founder and curator emeritus of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, award-winning scholar, and prolific author, died Wednesday, June 14, at his home in Gwynedd. He was 89.

Join us at the reopening of Frederick Douglass National Historic Site on July 4! The celebration will start at 11 a.m. with a special ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting, music, and a dramatic portrayal of Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

The Department of the Navy (DON) announced the correction to records of 15 Sailors formerly assigned to USS Philadelphia (CL-41) (commonly referred to as the ‘Philadelphia 15’) in a ceremony at the Pentagon on June 16.

In celebration of Juneteenth, The GKCBHSG closed out the first half of its program year on June 19, 2023, with a lecture presented by Dr. Chad Williams discussing his latest book, The Wounded World: W.E.B. DuBois & WW I.

2023 Black History Kit & Theme Posters are now available, including the new commemorative Juneteenth poster

Support the Founders of Black History Month by Sponsoring the 108th Annual Meeting & Conference

ASALH vehemently condemns the Tennessee State Republican controlled House of Representatives’ decision to remove two African American lawmakers.

ASALH is going to Florida with a purpose, and we invite all persons interested in sharing their scholarship, expertise and interest in the field of African American history and culture to join us.

ASALH strongly condemns the actions of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) to deprive students of accurate knowledge about the African American experience.

2023 Annual Founder’s Birthday event: A staged reading of Charly Evon Simpson’s “Beyond the Sheet.” Directed by Freda Scott Giles, emerita professor of Theatre and Film. Featuring actors from Town and Gown Players, University of Georgia University Theatre, and the Athens community.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History remembers a giant of the Black Freedom Movement, Esther Victoria Cooper Jackson, radical activist, civil rights leader, and long-time editor who died on August 23, 2022 at the age of 105.

On Tuesday, November 29 (6-8 PM) at Burke High School, the Preservation Society will host a launch event for the new Black Businesses of Charleston Oral History Project, in partnership with the Charleston County School District 20 Principal Collaboration Program.

Seasonal selections and Holiday favorites performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Brass!

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park is currently under construction in the historic LaVilla neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida. When completed, the Park will honor two of Jacksonville’s most famous residents, James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson.

Researchers from the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan have received a $750,000 research grant to conduct a survey of Black History Month programming in public libraries across the country.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the worldwide freedom struggle lost a great champion on October 11, 2022, with the passing of the Reverend Mr. Charles Melvin Sherrod.

Washington, DC — The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) announced today the winner of the Frederic W. Ness Book Award, Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching, published by Harvard University Press.

Amber Wiley, an award-winning architectural and urban historian whose teaching and research center on the social aspects of design and how it affects urban communities, will join the University of Pennsylvania […]

Support the founders of Black History Month by Advertising during the 2023 Black History Month Festival

We are sharing sad news on the passing of our longest serving legislator, the Honorable State Representative Barbara Ward Cooper (93 years old), in the state of Tennessee and probably the Southeast or national regions who transitioned last week after a brief illness.

View the New Pittsburgh Courier with front page article of the ASALH Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch winning the Branch of the Year Award for 2022.

The Our Authors Study Club, Inc. of Los Angeles (OASC), and the City of Los Angeles The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) announce today the planning for the 2023 African American Heritage Guide.

In January 2022, Marion Lane published “Women of Colour Made A Difference in the Era of the Revolutionary War” and in October 2022, Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) honored her for this monumental work at their International AAHGS Book Awards.

On June 10th, 2022, ASALH Philadelphia President Regina Vaughn received the Harriett Tubman Service Award from the Sons & Daughters of the United States Middle Passage.

Discussion will explore diabetes management, factors that lead to a higher risk of amputation, prevention of ulcers, signs of trouble, treatment and care.

President Biden announced that millions of working and middle class borrowers can apply for student debt relief right NOW!

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting Letters of Intent for the 2023 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

ASALH & Howard University present a virtual Workshop Wednesdays series on social justice, sponsored by the Mellon Just Futures Initiative

Whereas, “We today, stand on the shoulders of our predecessors who have gone before us. We, as their
successors, must catch the torch of freedom and liberty passed on to us by our ancestors. We cannot lose in this battle.” (Benjamin E. Mays, “I Knew Carter G. Woodson.” Negro History Bulletin, March 1981, p. 21.),

Join us for the Dedication Ceremony for the Birwood Wall Historical Marker at Alfonso Wells Memorial Park at 11am, October 10th. The story behind the building of the Birwood Wall is an important chapter in Detroit’s Civil Rights History.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is proud to announce the 2022 Award recipients, which will be given at the 107th Annual Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, from September 29th to October 1st.

Please join us for PastForward Online 2022 this fall! On-demand sessions will start in early October, while marquee events featuring well-known speakers or incorporating a live interactive component to the session will take place November 1-4.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2022 House Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Bass Legislation to Advance Quality Basic Education Around the World   WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed the […]

Today, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs passed by voice vote a resolution introduced by Africa Subcommittee Chair Karen Bass (D-CA) and Ranking Member Chris Smith (R-NJ) reaffirming the significance of the African Union as a strategic international partner to the United States and expressing strong support for partnerships that cultivate intra-African trade.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History mourns the death of Nichelle Nichols and heralds her entry into the final frontier when her ashes are sent to deep space aboard a Vulcan rocket.

We are excited to announce our 1st Weekend Club and beyond campaign in support of the upcoming movie, The Woman King, opening Friday, September 16, 2022. BHERC is thrilled to invite you, your members, families, and friends to join us in promoting and helping to spread the word about this important movie.

The Essential Theatre continues its 33rd anniversary year celebration with Theatre Week pay-what-you-can performances of the 1996 Helen Hayes Award nominated comedy cabaret, “A Night with Jackie “Moms” Mabley,” written and performed by Charisma Wooten, featuring Everett P. Williams as Luther.

The Boca Raton Museum of Art presents the premiere of Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls, the first-ever museum exhibition of Cunningham’s work, curated by Kelli Bodle, Assistant Curator.

31st August is commemorated as International Day for People of African Descent.

Ax Handle Saturday (video)

“Freedom is not Free. If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” This quote from Rutledge Pearson, Rodney Hurst’s 8th-grade American history and ninth-grade Civics teacher, adviser to the 1960 Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP, and Hurst’s mentor resonated throughout Jacksonville’s Inaugural Civil Rights Conference held in Jacksonville on August 25-27, 2022.

The Echoes of the Enslaved events are held in partnership with The Slave Dwelling Project, a non-profit whose vision is to encourage a “more truthful and inclusive narrative of the history of the nation that honors the contributions of all our people.”

Join us for our “Know Before You Go” pre-conference book series. Authors and guests discuss their work and themes of Black Health/Wellness. Brought to you by ASALH, in partnership with Howard University Social Justice Consortium, and sponsored by the Mellon Just Futures Initiative.

The Trip to Bountiful By Horton Foote Directed by Michael Wilson Featuring Nancy Robinette as Mrs. Carrie Watts; Joe Mallon as Ludie Watts and Kimberly Gilbert as Jessie Mae Watts […]

Dr. Bertice Berry, author, lecturer and inspirational speaker brought two groundbreaking, stirring presentations by leading a discussion on storytelling and race among a diverse local audience in Savannah, GA.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History mourns the death of Dr. James Turner. Born in Brooklyn in 1940 and raised in Manhattan, he was a foundational […]

Today, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights issued the following statement.

Underground Railroad Education Center is sponsoring an archaeological dig on a site where once stood the home of Doctor Thomas Elkins, Black medical doctor and Albany resident known for his inventions and for his role in the Underground Railroad.