What We Do

Our Mission

The Mission of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community

What We’ve Achieved

  • In 1998, the branch sponsored a weeklong James Weldon Johnson Florida Festival, June 14 -20, the first Festival to honor James Weldon Johnson.

  • The branch donated a player piano to the Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum.  Three selections composed by the Johnson brothers are recorded on the player piano.

  • In 2000, the branch sponsored the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the song written by Jacksonville’s native sons James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” using the voices of elementary students.

  • In 2010, the branch received a Jacksonville Urban League Annual Equal Opportunity Award for Outstanding Community Service.

  • In 2011, the branch received two national recognition awards at the ASALH 96th National Conference:  the Best Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Service, and the Most Active
    Membership Award    .

  • In 2011, the branch received two national recognition awards at the ASALH 96th National Conference:  the Best Community Service Award for Outstanding Community Service, and the Most Active
    Membership Award    .

  • In 2012, at the ASALH 97th National Conference the branch received two awards: The Outstanding Programs Award and recognition for a contribution of $600.00 or more the ASALH National.

  • In 2013, the branch received three awards:  the Outstanding Programming Award, the Largest Number of Active Members Award and recognition for a contribution of $600.00 or more to ASALH National.

  • In 2013, the James Weldon Johnson Branch of ASALH hosted the largest ASALH Conference to date and is scheduled to host our second national conference September 20 – 24, 2023 along with the other five Florida branches of the Florida ASALH Coalition.

  • The branch joined with the other five ASALH Florida branches formed a Coalition who co-hosted the ASALH 106TH ASALH Virtual Conference and Meeting, September 2021.

The James Weldon Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is a local branch of the National ASALH organization, which is headquartered in Washington, DC.  The organization was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  It is also the organization which sets the Black History Month theme each year.

 Our branch is named after a son of Jacksonville, James Weldon Johnson for his significant contributions to Jacksonville as an educator and community activist.  We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.  We have held a diverse number of events; Health and community forums, Black History Month programs, including programs for veterans. We also respond to requests to speak in schools and at different events throughout Jacksonville.  We hold a luncheon annually as our membership drive and work with other organizations such as Jacksonville Urban League, Edward Waters College and Black Voters Matter.  Monthly meetings are held with guest speakers except for the months of July and August and we share information on the rich history of the Jacksonville African American community.  Our branch was also the recipient of the City of Jacksonville’s Historic Preservation in 2014 for hosting the National ASALH Convention in Jacksonville. 

Dr. Carter G. Woodson
ASALH Founder