September 9 …

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) stands as a pivotal institution in the preservation and promotion of African American history and culture.

It was established during the National Half Century Exposition and Lincoln Jubilee in Chicago as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) and, soon thereafter, renamed the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History.

Founded on September 9, 1915 by George Cleveland Hall, Alexander L. Jackson, and Dr. Carter G. Woodson — often referred to as the “Father of Black History” — the organization emerged at a time when African American contributions were largely ignored or distorted within mainstream historical narratives. These men, recognizing the critical importance of accurate historical representation, established the organization to ensure that the experiences and achievements of African Americans would be documented, studied, and shared broadly. Their vision laid the groundwork for a more inclusive understanding of American history.

ASALH’s creation marked a turning point in academic and cultural circles, asserting that Black history was not a peripheral or isolated domain, but an integral and foundational part of the American story. Dr. Woodson’s pioneering work, including the publication of The Journal of Negro History in 1916 — now The Journal of African American History — provided a scholarly platform for the rigorous study of African American life. Through this journal, ASALH offered researchers, educators, and activists a means to explore and challenge prevailing misconceptions, while amplifying the voices of Black intellectuals whose work had been marginalized.

Perhaps one of ASALH’s most enduring legacies is its role in establishing Negro History Week in 1926, a celebration that would eventually evolve into what is now Black History Month. This initiative was a bold cultural intervention, designed to draw attention to the richness of Black heritage and to educate future generations about the crucial roles African Americans have played throughout U.S. history. By choosing February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, ASALH linked African American history to broader national ideals of freedom and justice.

Over the decades, ASALH has continued to be a vanguard institution, advancing historical research, community engagement, and public education. It has nurtured generations of historians and educators, hosted scholarly conferences, and produced vital curricular materials for schools.

The organization’s annual theme-based observances encourage both focused study and public dialogue, making history relevant to contemporary issues and movements. In doing so, ASALH fosters a living connection between the past and the present, helping to inform collective action and identity.

ASALH’s influence extends beyond academia. Its work has contributed to cultural recognition and policy change, helping to shape national conversations about race, identity, and justice. By promoting an honest reckoning with the past, the organization has supported broader efforts for social equity and inclusion. Its archives and publications have provided critical context for legal cases, civil rights campaigns, and educational reforms, underscoring the deep ties between historical awareness and civic progress.

The Association has also played a critical role in mentoring and empowering emerging scholars of African American studies. Through its programs, fellowships, and awards, ASALH cultivates scholarly excellence and fosters a sense of mission among those committed to studying and teaching African American history. This support system helps ensure the continuity and vitality of the field, even in times when educational institutions face pressures to downplay or erase discussions of race and systemic inequality.

Today, ASALH continues to uphold its founder’s mission with an unwavering commitment to truth, scholarship, and cultural celebration. In a society still grappling with the legacies of slavery, segregation, and racial injustice, the work of ASALH remains profoundly relevant.

By preserving the stories of struggle, resistance, creativity, and triumph, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History reminds the nation that African American history is not merely a supplement to the American narrative — it is at its very core.