*The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) hosts 108th annual conference in Jacksonville, Florida September 20th– 24th 2023.
ASALH is aware of Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservative lawmakers’ stance against teaching Black History. Although many civic organizations have withdrawn from bringing their events to the state of Florida, instead ASALH has decided to go forth with its annual conference in the state.
Slated speakers include Dr. Shelia S. Walker (Global African Diaspora), Kimberle’ Crenshaw (Columbia & UCLA Law School), Jarvis Givens (Harvard), James Grossman (American Historical Association), Brian Jones (Schomburg), Kay Wise Whitehead (Loyola University Maryland) and many more. See the full ASALH speakers list here.
Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Education passed legislation against “woke” curricula in the state, which includes AP African American Studies. Banning historically significant books and other culturally marginalizing actions followed. ASALH’ has responded. Their full statement regarding this is located at asalh.org
W. Marvin Delaney is the President of ASALH. He provides a solid reason for not running away but instead running to the fight in Florida: “While we have been alarmed by these actions, we see it as an opportunity to defend the teaching of Black History in the state and to support the citizens, teachers, and scholars who are on the front line against the laws that hinder the teaching of the truth in the state.”
While Florida backlash and boycotts are effective means of protest, ASALH’s conference sets the stage for academic, social, political, and economic advocacy. W. Marvin Delaney: “This is an opportunity to defend the teaching of Black History in the state and to support the citizens, teachers, and scholars who are on the front line against the laws that hinder the teaching of the truth in the state.” ASLH’s conference also will encourage the support of Black-owned businesses and vendors and provide networking opportunities.
ASALH was founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1915. He is regarded as the Father of Black History. For full conference lineup and registration information visit: www.ASALH.org. Several events are free and open to the public, and some events are virtual.
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