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

ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History Established on September 9, 1915 by Dr. Carter G. We continue the legacy of Dr. Carter G. E. B. We labor in the service of Blacks and all humanity. Woodson

Woodson, we are the Founders of Black History Month and carry forth the work of our founder, the Father of Black History. Woodson by speaking a fundamental truth to the world–that Africans and peoples of African descent are makers of history and co-workers in what W. Du Bois called, “The Kingdom of Culture.” ASALH’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge about Black History, to be, in shor

t, the nexus between the Ivory Tower and the global public. OUR MISSION
The mission of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. STRUCTURE
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®) is head-quartered in Washington, D.C., temporarily 301 Rhode Island Ave, NW in Washington, DC. The Association operates as local, state, and international branches promoting greater knowledge of African American history through a program of education, research, and publishing. Activities:
- Sets the annual theme for Black History Month. Establish Annual Black History
Theme
- Publish Annual Black History Theme Learning Resource Package
- Sponsor annual Black History Kick-Off Events
- Host Annual Convention and Black History Month Luncheon
- Establish, nurture and grow ASALH Branches, including campus-based branches &
youth guilds.
- Manage professional Speaker’s Bureau
- Establish national and local Partnerships
- Host Essay Contest for undergraduate and graduate students
- Promote oral, public and local history projects
- Commemorate the birth of our founder, Dr. Carter G.

Education has long been central to Black communities, creating pathways to opportunity, leadership, and self-determinati...
08/27/2026

Education has long been central to Black communities, creating pathways to opportunity, leadership, and self-determination. Across the region, institutions such as Hampton University, originally founded as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, and Norfolk State University have educated generations of Black students and helped prepare scholars, educators, and community leaders.

That same spirit of learning is at the heart of ASALH’s 111th Annual Meeting & Conference, September 23–27, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.

When you join us, you won’t just walk away with great experiences and memories. You’ll leave with new knowledge, deeper connections, and a greater understanding of the history and people who shaped the region. Through conference sessions, tours, scholars, and other experiences, there will be opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Register for and come ready to learn, explore, and experience Black history in Norfolk and beyond.

Meet the Authors & Get Your Copies Signed! We are beyond excited to partner with this incredible lineup of talented writ...
08/26/2026

Meet the Authors & Get Your Copies Signed! We are beyond excited to partner with this incredible lineup of talented writers, historians, and storytellers for an extraordinary In-Person Author’s Book Signing!

Come meet the brilliant minds behind powerful works across Black history, civil rights, fiction, health equity, culture, and more. Whether you're looking to dive into transformative history or discover your next favorite read, there is something for everyone.

📍 Where: Norfolk Waterside Marriott (Norfolk, Virginia)

📅 When: Thursday, September 24, 2026

⏰ Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST

🎟️ Admission: FREE & Open to the Public!

Bring a friend, grab your books, and come celebrate Black literature, life, and culture with us. We can’t wait to see you there! 📖

08/25/2026

As we get closer to the 111th Annual Meeting & Conference in Norfolk, we're highlighting the people and stories that continue to shape ASALH's work.

Hear from Michelle Evans-Oliver, ASALH Richmond, Virginia Branch President, in a conversation with Andrea "Aunnie" Young about how Richmond used Zoom to build community during COVID and the power of staying connected. The full interview will be available on ASALH TV on YouTube.

Norfolk, Virginia September 23-27, 2026

Join us in Norfolk for "A Century of Black History Commemorations" and five days of scholarship, history, community, and connection.

Register for the 111th Annual Meeting & Conference and be part of the conversation

DEADLINE EXTENDED! 📢There’s still time to showcase your scholarship!The Felix Armfield Dissertation Lightning Round dead...
08/25/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED! 📢

There’s still time to showcase your scholarship!

The Felix Armfield Dissertation Lightning Round deadline has been extended to August 31, 2026.

Dissertation scholars are invited to present their research and communicate its significance to a non-specialist audience in a compelling, engaging format.

🏆 $1,000 Grand Prize
🥈 $500 Runner-Up
🎓 All Finalists Receive a 1-Year ASALH Membership

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your research, connect with fellow scholars, and make your work stand out!

Apply by August 31.

ASALH Swag Day is one month away! 🖤As we gather in Norfolk, Virginia, for the 111th Annual Meeting and Conference, we’re...
08/24/2026

ASALH Swag Day is one month away! 🖤

As we gather in Norfolk, Virginia, for the 111th Annual Meeting and Conference, we’re celebrating ASALH Swag Day on Thursday, September 24!

We love seeing everyone wear the ASALH legacy, and we can’t wait to see you represent it during the conference! Swipe to see our store promotion and get your ASALH gear ready. 👀

Use code SWAG15 at checkout for 15% off two or more qualifying items from the official ASALH Swag Collection.

New orders only. Promotion does not apply to bundles or Black History Kits. Valid until 9/22/26 at 11:59 PM PST.

Don’t forget to tag us using and join the celebration online and in person!

Show up. Wear the legacy. Celebrate Black history.

The 111th Annual Meeting is coming to Norfolk, and we need you! Volunteer with ASALH September 23–27 and help welcome sc...
08/20/2026

The 111th Annual Meeting is coming to Norfolk, and we need you! Volunteer with ASALH September 23–27 and help welcome scholars, educators, students, researchers, and community members from around the world.

Volunteer opportunities include registration, session support, hospitality, tours, the film festival, and more. Join the team and be part of making this year’s conference a success.

Sign up Today! https://asalh.org/conference/volunteers/

Norfolk is calling! If you’re already registered, getting ready to register, or planning to join us for our free and ope...
08/19/2026

Norfolk is calling! If you’re already registered, getting ready to register, or planning to join us for our free and open-to-the-public events, here are a few things to know before you arrive.

From where to stay and how to get around to what to wear, these tips will help you make the most of your time in Norfolk.

Haven’t registered yet? Now is the time! Register for the full conference and experience the sessions, tours, luncheons, receptions, and conversations happening throughout the week.

Save this post, share it with someone joining you, and check the ASALH website for the latest updates.

We’ll see you in Norfolk, September 23–27!

Register Now: https://asalh.org/conference/registration/

Black businesses have long been at the heart of Norfolk’s communities, creating spaces for economic opportunity, connect...
08/18/2026

Black businesses have long been at the heart of Norfolk’s communities, creating spaces for economic opportunity, connection, and self-determination.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, segregation restricted where Black residents could work, shop, and access professional services. Areas such as Church Street became important centers of Black commerce, home to restaurants, shops, funeral homes, professional offices, and other businesses that served the community while creating opportunities for economic independence and investment.

That legacy continues today. At ASALH’s 111th Annual Meeting & Conference in Norfolk this September, we’ll be highlighting local and Black-owned businesses and encouraging attendees to connect with and support the businesses that continue to shape the region.

Follow along as we highlight more of Norfolk’s Black history and community leading up to .

You don’t have to be registered for the conference to experience Black history in action. Throughout the week, we’re ope...
08/17/2026

You don’t have to be registered for the conference to experience Black history in action. Throughout the week, we’re opening the doors to free and open-to-the-public events, including film screenings, exhibits, discussions, special programs, and more.

📅 Times and details may change, so check the full event schedule on our website for the latest updates. You can also save select events on Eventbrite and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss a reminder.

No tickets. No registration. Just show up and experience Black history. ✊🏾

Want even more? Register for the full conference and join us for panels, workshops, tours, and more!

Free Events: https://asalh.org/conference/free-and-open-to-the-public/
Register For Full Conference: https://asalh.org/conference/registration/

08/16/2026

A special invitation from ASALH Executive Council member Chadra Pittman and City of Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray!

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the 111th Annual Meeting & Conference, taking place September 23–27, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Register and join us for a week of history, scholarship, community, and connection as we commemorate A Century of Black History Commemorations.

📍 Norfolk, Virginia
📅 September 23–27, 2026

Address

301 Rhode Island Avenue , NW, Ste. 1508
Washington D.C., DC
20001

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12022385910

Website

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