Carter G. Woodson, founder of ASALH

This year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is celebrating its 100th birthday! Founded September 9, 1915, in Chicago, it was the brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, known as the Father of Black History.

Vivian G. Harsh

I attended an event at the Woodson library organized by the Chicago chapter of ASALH as part of the 100th anniversary events. It honored Vivian G. Harsh, a librarian, collector of black books, and longtime member/officer in what was then called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. There I got to chat with Michael Flug, archivist and co-collaborator on “The Negro in Illinois.”

Later in September, I’ll be headed to ASALH’s national conference in Atlanta for the centennial celebration. On the way, I’ll be stopping at the historic Highlander Folk Center in Eastern Tennessee for their annual homecoming.

Also coming up on September 19, at 2 p.m., the Woodson library is hosting a talk by Northwestern Professor Aldon Morris about his important new book, The Scholar Denied: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Birth of Modern Sociology.

Lastly, I’ll be at Jane Addams Bookshop in Champaign giving a talk for “The Negro in Illinois” on Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. Stay tuned for more to come!