The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History

The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), later The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), William B. Hartgrove, Dr. George Cleveland Hall and Alexander L. Jackson (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc./Honorary), and James. E. Stamps (Kappa Alpha Psi/Sigma Pi Phi) in Chicago, IL on September 9, 1915. Woodson, often referred to as the "Father of Black History," created the organization to promote the scholarly study and appreciation of African American history, culture, and life. ASNLH has played a pivotal role in the institutionalization of Black history in the U.S., including the establishment of what is now known as Black History Month.

The organization’s mission is to research, preserve, and promote African American history and culture. ASALH began as a scholarly organization that published and distributed books, pamphlets, and journals on African American history. It started publishing the Journal of Negro History, now the Journal of African American History in 1916. ASALH is credited with launching Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually expanded into Black History Month, celebrated every February. This was part of a larger initiative to promote the recognition and celebration of African Americans’ contributions to the history of the U.S.

Today, ASALH continues to be a vital force in supporting the research and teaching of African American history, providing scholarships, organizing conferences, and promoting historical and cultural awareness. ASALH and Dr. Woodson's work have left a lasting legacy by shaping the modern understanding of Black history, encouraging its formal inclusion in curricula, and helping to preserve African American culture for future generations.