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

4 days ago

#Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist, activist, and suffragist who played a crucial role in both the labor movement and the broader fight for racial and gender equality. Born into slavery in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Wells dedicated her life to exposing racial injustices, particularly the horrors of lynching in the United States. As a Black woman navigating both the racial and gendered barriers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she understood the interconnected struggles of African Americans and working-class people. She used her investigative journalism to shed light on the exploitation of Black workers, especially Black women, who were often underpaid and forced into dangerous, low-wage jobs with little to no protections. Wells also spoke out against discriminatory labor practices, emphasizing the importance of fair wages, safe working conditions, and collective action for Black workers who were frequently excluded from mainstream labor unions.Beyond her journalism, Wells actively organized Black workers, particularly Black women, to fight for labor rights. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896, which worked to improve working conditions for Black women and advocated for better pay and job opportunities. She also supported the establishment of Black labor unions, recognizing that economic independence was essential for true racial and gender equality. Her activism extended to her work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, one of the most influential Black-led labor unions, as well as her advocacy for women’s suffrage, arguing that voting rights were essential for securing labor protections. Through her relentless activism, Wells helped lay the groundwork for future labor movements, ensuring that the struggles of Black workers—especially Black women—were recognized in the broader fight for workers’ rights.Learn More: www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett#ASALH #AfricanAmericansAndLabor #IdaBWells ... See MoreSee Less

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

5 days ago

In case you missed it, ASALH’s first virtual convening is going live today at 6pm EST on our YouTube channel @ASALHTV 📺Watch It Now: youtu.be/lJDrvjO8c1U ... See MoreSee Less

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

6 days ago

A Letter from the ASALH President: Our Magna CartaWinston Churchill once said, “Danger is real; fear is a choice.” Today, our democracy is in danger—but we are not powerless, and we cannot give in to fear. Instead, we must fight back with small, intentional acts of resistance.Our ASALH Magna Carta is a call to action, a reminder that democracy belongs to us—we are the people! It outlines ways to get started, but this is just the beginning. We invite you to add to this list and stand with us as we work together to defend and rebuild our democracy.From funding the institutions that protect our rights to showing up, organizing, and holding leaders accountable—we must take bold steps. Change begins with action.Read Statement: asalh.org/asalh-magna-carta/ ... See MoreSee Less

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

1 week ago

Next up in our feature series is ASALH President Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead!Check out My Mother’s Tomorrow: Dispatches Through the Lens of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly—a powerful exploration of history, activism, and community. Dr. Whitehead brings a deep, thought-provoking perspective to the narrative of Baltimore’s Black Butterfly, shedding light on the past while envisioning a just future.🔗 Read more: asalh.org/my-mothers-tomorrow-dispatches-through-the-lens-of-baltimores-black-butterfly/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Pen to Screen: Writing and Telling Black History, A Conversation with Julian Breece and Valerie Maholmes

Pen to Screen: Writing and Telling Black History, A Conversation with Julian Breece and Valerie Maholmes

February 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EST

Pen to Screen: Writing and Telling Black History, A Conversation with Julian Breece and Valerie Maholmes

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