Atlanta Welcomes ASALH’s 110th Annual Conference
A historical gathering in a historic city September 24–28, 2025
Atlanta is proud to host the 110th Annual Meeting and Conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) — a milestone moment for both the organization and the city. As ASALH prepares to welcome scholars, educators, activists, and citizens from across the country, Atlanta stands ready not just as a location but as a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of Black history in America.
This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor. It will once again spotlight a critical thread in the Black experience, adding to ASALH’s legacy of shaping public understanding through research, storytelling, and advocacy. The 2025 conference will feature renowned speakers, panel discussions, film screenings, and community tours focused on the many dimensions of African American life past and future.
Whether you’re an educator, student, author, artist, or simply someone who cares deeply about history, this is your opportunity to be part of one of the most important gatherings on the calendar. Mark your calendar now: September 24–28, 2025. Rooms will book fast, so reserve your hotel early and join us in a city that has shaped African American history in powerful ways.
The Legacy of ASALH
Founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, ASALH has been a cornerstone in the preservation and celebration of Black history for over a century. Woodson, a visionary scholar and the "Father of Black History," believed that a people deprived of their historical contributions would struggle to find dignity and place in the world. He created ASALH to correct this erasure and to institutionalize the study of African American life as a central part of American identity.
Out of this mission came the creation of Negro History Week in 1926 — which later evolved into what we now know as Black History Month. ASALH was never about a single moment of recognition, though. Its work spans every day of the year: through its journal publications, curriculum development, annual themes, and, of course, its national conference — now entering its 110th year.
That’s not just longevity. That’s legacy. And that legacy is coming to Atlanta.
Why Atlanta? Because History Lives Here.
It’s no coincidence that ASALH chose Atlanta for its 110th gathering. Few cities in America are as central to the story of Black resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural leadership as Atlanta.
From the founding of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges to the rise of the Sweet Auburn Historic District, Atlanta has long been a cradle of Black excellence. It’s the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., home to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and ground zero for some of the most impactful moments of the Civil Rights Movement.
Atlanta is also a city of reinvention. A Black mecca of modern entrepreneurship, media, and activism. It’s a place where past and future meet — where the stories of formerly enslaved people, Great Migration families, student activists, hip-hop moguls, and Black tech founders all intersect.
That’s what makes Atlanta the perfect host city for ASALH 2025. The conference will not just talk about history — it will stand in it.
What to Expect at the 2025 Conference
Nationally recognized keynote speakers
Panels on African American education, arts, and political activism
Workshops for teachers, students, and community leaders
Tours of Atlanta’s historic Black neighborhoods
Networking events for authors, historians, and cultural workers
Live performances and cultural showcases
This isn’t just a conference. It’s a gathering of minds and spirits committed to preserving truth, honoring heritage, and shaping the next chapter of African American life.
Get Involved — Or Just Show Up and Be Changed
This event is open to all — from seasoned scholars to curious newcomers. You don’t need a PhD to participate, just a desire to learn and connect. Whether you come for a single day or the full week, Atlanta will welcome you.
👉 Book your hotel early.
👉 Watch for registration announcements from ASALH.
👉 Get ready to join a legacy in motion.
Visit ASALH.org for updates on the 2025 conference agenda and registration details.
Let’s make history — in a city that’s made so much of it.
See you in Atlanta this September.