Why is ASALH going to Florida?
Like many of you, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has followed the actions that Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservative lawmakers have taken against teaching Black History and the histories of other historically marginalized communities. We have especially followed the actions taken by DeSantis and the Florida Board of Education on the AP African American Studies course as well as the legislation passed against “woke” curricula in the state. Please see our statement about these actions on our website. (“ASALH’s Response to Gov. DeSantis and the African American Studies AP Censorship”).
Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) 108th Annual Conference, 2023, Jacksonville, FL Black History Theme: Black Resistance | asalh.org/conference or call 202.238.5910
Intersecting and Exploring Conscious Resistance: Claiming All of the Narratives within Black Spaces
Session Submission Type: Roundtable (10 am - 11:30 am EST - 8 am - 9:30 am MST)
Abstract
“The significance of being Black; WAS, and IS the intrinsic value one carries/d inside of the so-called ‘Black’ body.” Organized and funded by hegemonic society, too often, Black Revolution has been reduced to nostalgia detached from true intentionality. In the latest colonial project and cycle of perpetual genocides against “Black” Peoples, this panel is an effort to encourage exploration of the full spectrum of Black Consciousness as well as Black History to continue efforts to seek consciousness, community and sovereignty.
Throughout the African diasporic continuum, Black folks have been institutionalized and “met the moment” in history. Covering the time between 1490 and 1999, this panel provides a clear trajectory of conscious-actions with deliberate outcomes throughout the continuum. From Black colonization of Indigenous places/spaces to development of abolitionists movements as well as manifested “Promised (Government [confiscated indigenous]) Land;” we explore BEING “Black.”
By any means, Africans in diaspora exploited the space behind the Du Boisian Veil of Double Consciousness. Within the subaltern of “Grand Narratives,” there existed an omni-present rejection when a loss of perceived autonomy occurs/d as a result. Relevant in this present age, we explore migrations; and, a diverse set of enclaves to encourage new engagement inspired by ideas of resistance developed over time.
In a multifaceted dialogue, the round table explores the tangible means of expression, as well as the intangible. Because the fight for liberation has presently increased in intensity; while serving the needs of “presentation,” we ask that you assume we are “talking in code.” Feel free to laugh, cry, and or “Amen” when you #GetIt. Be prepared if you are the only one fully getting it. Or, #SideEye; and, explain to your audience, later.
Chair: Umeme Sababu, Pennwest University
Presenters: Janet E. Rozick, American Public University System, Christopher Hunter, Mississippi State University, Johnnifer Patrice Brown, Western Carolina University, Timothy E. Nelson, Blackdom Townsite Co.