This February marks a significant milestone in black history, the centennial of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (formerly the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History). To recognize this anniversary, the association has identified this year’s theme for Black History Month - “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.”
When Carter G. Woodson founded ASALH in 1915, he did so with the belief that recognition of African Americans’ historical contributions would be a key factor in moving toward equality. How have his ideals been advanced?
Rutgers University–Newark has long been a vessel for the promotion of black history and the black experience. One example is the Marion Thompson Wright Lecture, a scholarly conference dedicated to relevant topics in black history and culture, and the largest celebration of Black History Month in New Jersey. This year, MTW will recognize its co-founder, the late Dr. Clement Price, whose legacy as a historian embodies the very essence of Woodson’s pursuit to elevate black history to a national platform. Among his many achievements, Dr. Price also founded the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience to contribute to the revitalization of Newark through public service, artistic expression, and scholarship.
Other Black History Month events include artistic performances and scholarly discussions, all focused on building civic dialogue with our students, staff, faculty, organizational partners, and the surrounding community.
As RU–N reflects upon and celebrates black life, history, and culture, it also looks forward, recognizing the need to cultivate the potential of those whose contributions have yet to be made. Through education, collaboration, and engagement, the University remains committed to the advancement of black history and achievement. In 2016, RU–N will help commemorate another significant milestone with the 350th anniversary of Newark’s founding.
The MTW lecture is one of several public RU-N Black History Month programs:
The Most Homophobic Place on Earth? Caribbean Myths and Realities
The Grenada Revolution and the US Invasion
Voices of Our Ancestors: Dances of Africa and the African Diaspora
