Association for the Study of African American Life and History

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY (ASALH) ASALH is a small nonprofit 501©(3) membership organization founded in 1913 by the acclaimed Dr. Carter G. Woodson to promote understanding and appreciation of the important role African Americans play in the life and history of the United States and the world. ASALH’s mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about African American life, and culture to the global community. Under the leadership of President Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, a recognized scholar, author and educator, the Association is in a growth mode, expanding membership and ASALH branches to additional cities and states around the country. The Association communicates with its membership, community organizations, and the public through its publications which include the Journal of African American History which has been published continuously since 1916, and the Black History Bulletin which was founded in 1937. ASALH annually adopts a theme that expresses an important aspect of African American life and legacy. The theme for 2017 is “The Crisis in Black Education.” The programming for ASALH’s historic Black History Month Luncheon in Washington, D.C. and the Annual Fall Conference which is held in various cities across the country always focus on the theme. ASALH enjoys a close working relationship with the National Park Service (NPS). In 2006, Dr. Woodson’s home in Washington, D.C. was registered as a National Historic Site and named the 389th Unit of the NPS. The Association relies on the corporate and non-profit communities, nationwide membership, private donations, and the Combined Federal Campaign to meet fundraising goals. ASALH provides operational support to several of the NPS community programs including the annual Underground Railroad Conference. The Association’s Executive Director and staff provide management, editorial, and administrative services in support of the Association from its national office in Washington, DC. The Association offers Life Memberships, student memberships, and subscription programs that provides digital and print access to periodical subscriptions.