African-American history buffs, in particular those with a special interest in war history, will find good company during the 103rd annual meeting and conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) now through Oct. 7 at the downtown Marriott.
“African-Americans in Times of War” is the theme for this year’s conference, which will feature national speakers as well as a film festival, poetry slam and a banquet. A new Indianapolis branch will be chartered on Oct. 5. The conference will focus on African-American military and civilian life in wartime.
Bringing the conference to Indianapolis is a good fit since the city has a World War I Memorial, ASALH President Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham said. Higginbotham is chair of Harvard’s History Department, following in the footsteps of ASALH founder Carter G. Woodson. Woodson was the second Black person to receive a doctoral degree from Harvard; W.E.B. Du Bois was first.
“Carter G. Woodson realized that history neglected African-Americans,” Higginbotham said. “This organization was founded during World War I. African-Americans fought in every war to the Korean War as segregated troops. We are segregated from whites even though we’re fighting on the same side.”
Brig. Gen. Wayne Black, the first African-American brigadier general in the Indiana National Guard, is the honorary chairperson.
Contact Editor Oseye Boyd at 317-762-7850. Follow her on Twitter @oseye_boyd.
Attend ASALH
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) 103rd meeting and conference ends Oct. 7 at the downtown Marriott, 350 W. Maryland St. Visit asalh.org for a full list of events and costs.
The following events are free.
Oct.4
4-6 p.m. — Plenary Session I, “Against U.S. Imperialism Pan-Africanism and Black Internationalism”
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Author’s Book Signing
Oct. 5
10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. — Poetry Open Mic Night, “Elevation: Black Excellence Past and Present”
Oct. 6
4-6 p.m. — Plenary Session II, “African-Americans and the Great War”
ASALH exhibit area will be open during the conference at the following times:
Noon-9 p.m. Oct. 4
8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Oct. 5
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 6
Hours for the film festival are as follows:
2-10 p.m. Oct. 4
8 a.m.-10:15 p.m. Oct. 5
8 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 6
To join the local branch of ASALH, visit asalh.org.
Brig. Gen. Wayne Black
