Association for the Study of African American Life and History

Established in 1915, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is an organization dedicated to the study and appreciation of African-American History. ASALH’s founder, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926. Since 1976, ASALH extended the celebration for the entire month of February, into what the nation now recognizes as Black History Month.

MISSION ASALH's official mission is "to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history, and culture to the global community."

VISION ASALH's official vision is "to be the premier Black Heritage and learned society with a diverse and inclusive membership supported by a strong network of national and international branches to continue the Woodson legacy."

STRUCTURE Incorporated in Washington, D.C., ASALH is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization. The Association operates as local and state branches promoting greater knowledge of African American history through programs of education, research, and publishing.

ACTIVITIES

• Sets the annual theme for Black History Month
• Sponsors an annual convention to celebrate and study Africana life and history.
• Publishes the Journal of African American History (formerly the Journal of Negro History), and the Black History Bulletin (formerly the Negro History Bulletin).
• Publishes Black History products that promote the annual Black History theme.
• Hosts an annual Black History Month Luncheon in Washington, D.C.
• Sponsors graduate and undergraduate essay contests.
• Sponsors specialized professional development curriculum workshops, institutes, and seminars.
• Co-sponsors with the American Historical Association the annual Wesley-Logan Prize for the Best Book on the African Diaspora.
• Co-sponsors with the National Education Association (www.nea.org) the annual Carter G. Woodson Award at the NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards observance.
• Co-sponsors with the National History Day organization Carter G. Woodson awards to high school students for winning projects, papers, or performances relating to African American history.

ASALH supports the study of African American history in homes, schools, colleges, churches, organizations, businesses, and government