ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

7 days ago

Sarah White (also known as Sarah Hamer, 1958–2020) was a trailblazing labor organizer and revolutionary humanist who played a central role in the Catfish Workers union drive in Mississippi during the 1980s and 1990s. A fearless advocate for the rights of Black working-class women, White brought her deep political insight and unwavering commitment to justice into every space she occupied—from the shop floor to the union hall to the pages of News & Letters, where she wrote the longstanding column “Woman as Reason.” Her activism wasn’t confined to a single campaign; in the mid-1990s, she co-founded the Mississippi Workers’ Center for Human Rights alongside fellow radical organizer Jaribu Hill, who continues to lead the organization today. Together, they built a movement rooted in human dignity, collective power, and a vision for liberation shaped by the voices of Black women workers. White’s legacy lives on not only in the lives she touched, but also in the ongoing work of comrades like Hill and in the scholarship and organizing efforts of a new generation committed to telling these stories and continuing the fight.#ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #SarahWhite ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

1 week ago

D.C. Emancipation Day, observed on April 16th, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act in 1862, which freed over 3,000 enslaved individuals in Washington, D.C.—nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. This historic moment was a pivotal step toward the abolition of slavery in the United States and holds deep significance in Black history as a symbol of resistance, freedom, and progress.It also impacted the labor movement by highlighting the transition of Black Americans from forced labor to the ongoing struggle for fair wages, workers’ rights, and economic justice. The day serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the continued work toward equity and dignity for Black workers.Learn More: www.whitehousehistory.org/emancipation-dayASALH will be closed on April 16th in commemoration of D.C. Emancipation Day. ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

2 weeks ago

Marcus Mosiah Garvey was a pivotal figure in the Black liberation movement and a champion of Pan-Africanism. Born in Jamaica in 1887, Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914, which became the largest Black organization of its time. His vision was to unite people of African descent worldwide to advocate for economic independence, self-determination, and the cultural pride of Black people. Garvey’s philosophy of Black empowerment, which emphasized the need for economic self-sufficiency and the establishment of a Black nation, resonated deeply within communities across the globe, inspiring movements for racial pride and unity.Garvey's impact extended far beyond his time, influencing generations of activists and leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. His establishment of the Black Star Line, a shipping company designed to facilitate trade between Africa and the African diaspora, was an ambitious effort to create economic independence for Black people. Although Garvey faced persecution and was eventually imprisoned on charges of mail fraud, his ideas lived on, shaping the future of Black political thought and activism. His legacy remains a cornerstone of the Pan-African movement, and his call for a united and self-reliant African diaspora continues to inspire movements for Black liberation and equality worldwide.Learn More: www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/marcus-garvey#ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #marcusgarvey ... See MoreSee Less

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ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History

2 weeks ago

On this day, April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law, also known as the Fair Housing Act. This landmark legislation was enacted in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addressing the pervasive issue of racial discrimination in housing. The Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. It also strengthened federal enforcement of these anti-discrimination laws, ensuring greater access to housing opportunities for marginalized communities.The Civil Rights Act of 1968 had a profound impact on Black history by challenging the entrenched systems of racial inequality, particularly in housing. Before its passage, Black Americans faced widespread discrimination in securing housing, often being denied access to homes in predominantly white neighborhoods. By prohibiting such discriminatory practices, the Act opened the door for Black families to access better housing, fostering economic growth and mobility. It also served as a powerful symbol of progress in the Civil Rights Movement, reinforcing the ongoing fight for justice and equality. This critical legislation remains a cornerstone in the effort to dismantle institutional racism and promote a more inclusive society. ... See MoreSee Less

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DC Emancipation Day Lecture Series Program: Genealogy Records in the DC Archives

DC Emancipation Day Lecture Series Program: Genealogy Records in the DC Archives

April 15 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

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