The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) : Our National Organization

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was established on September 9, 1915, by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (December 19, 1875- April 3, 1950), we are the founders of "Black History Month" and we proudly carry forth the work of our original founder, "The Father of Black History".

During the dawning decades of the of the twentieth century, it was commonly presumed that black people had little history besides the subjugation of slavery. Today, it is clear that blacks have significantly impacted the development of social, political, and economic structures of the United States and the world at large. Credit for the evolving awareness of the true place of blacks in history can, in large part be bestowed on one man, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. His brainchild the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. continues Dr. Woodson's tradition of disseminating information about black life, history and culture to the global community.

ABOUT ASALH

Known as "The Father of Black History" Dr. Woodson (1875-1950) was the son of former slaves, and understood the importance of gaining a proper education, especially when striving to secure and make the most out of one's divine right to freedom. Although he did not begin his formal education until he was approaching the age of twenty, his dedication to his studies enabled him to earn a high school diploma in West Virgina. His first undergraduate degree came from Berea College in Kentucy, and in just a few years' time he went on the earn a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Chicago. In 1912, Dr. Woodson became the second African American to earn a PhD at Harvard University.
In 1915, Dr Woodson, recognizing the dearth of information on the accomplishments of blacks throughout history, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Later this name would change to "The Association for the Study of African American Life and History also known as "ASALH".
Under Dr. Woodson pioneering leadership, ASALH created research and publication outlets for black scholars, leading to the establishment of "The Journal of Negro History " in 1916 and "The Negro History Bulletin in 1937. These publications garner a popular public appeal.
In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, this celebration was expanded to include the entire month of February. Today "Black History Month" garners support throughout the country, as people of all ethnic and social backgrounds discuss the black experience.
In honor of all the work done by Dr. Carter G Woodson to promote the Study of African American History, ASALH views the promotion of Black History Month as one of the most important components of advancing Dr. Woodson's legacy. To commemorate this Dr. Woodson's effort and consistent focus of excellence an ornament depicting Dr. Woodson is placed on the White House Christmas tree each year.
Learn More at: asalh.org

ASALH: Dorthy Turner Johnson Branch (Central Florida)

In 2002, Dorothy T. Johnson brought together a group of dedicated Central Floridians, to establish The Central Florida branch of ASALH. After several years, the Central Florida branch became defunct and in 2016 Karen Adamopoulos contacted many friends of the branch’s namesake and revived the Branch as the Dorothy Turner Johnson Branch. The DTJ branch was chartered on September 15, 2017. Born in Dublin, Georgia, January 18, 1915, Dorothy Turner Johnson made history when she enlisted in the United States Army (1942–1945) and became a member of the famous "Six Triple Eight" battalion, the only all-African American Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps to serve overseas in World War II. The battalion was renamed the Women Army Corp (WAC). Their task was to help deliver millions of letters to the troops. They were recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their war efforts.

One of the first 300 residents of Celebration, Florida, and a longtime resident of Central Florida, Dorothy Turner Johnson lived to be 100 years old, leaving her mark as a lover of the arts, advocate for reading, storyteller, educator, librarian, and friend.
www.asalhdtj.org

Mission of ASALH

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.

Get Involved

We are a growing community-centered organization focused on preserving, promoting, and sharing the history of African American life and culture. Learn about ways to bring your gifts to the branch by attending a monthly meeting. If you'd like to become a member of ASALH, here are ways to join. Individual dues to join the local branch are $30.