BARBARA SPENCER-DUNN’S ASALH INSPIRED JOURNEY TO CENTER BLACK TEENS IN THEIR VIBRANT HISTORY – Part 2
with Barbara Spencer-Dunn
Episode 005
In this episode of the Blacknificent Life! Podcast, we continue our conversation from the previous episode with Barbara Spencer-Dunn. She is an executive council member for the Association for The Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This is an association founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson who is also the founder of Black History week that evolved into Black History Month. Barbara Spencer-Dunn tells us a bit about Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s background as the “godfather of the study of Black History.” She also talks about ASALH and its commitment to spreading knowledge about African American history, including its African origins. “There’s nothing more important than knowing the truth about yourself, your family, and even the history of your people.” Barbara Spencer-Dunn
Takeaways
- Get to know a bit about Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the man who gave the world Black History Month.
- Learn the importance of Black History Month and how you can contribute to it
- Understand how knowing the truth about yourself and your history as a Black person is essential to Black health and well-being
Key Moments[2:25] Spencer-Dunn shares her personal journey that led to working for the Association for The Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
[4:48] Who is Dr. Carter G. Woodson? What is the purpose of ASALH and its value to the Black community and world?
[13:44] Spencer-Dunn talks about how and why the partnership between ASALH and the Kiamsha youth organization began. She also explains how Dr. Woodson’s work paved the way for other heritage holidays that we have today, is explained.
[18:02] Spencer-Dunn explains the history of the Niagara movement, its development into the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
[22:24] The purpose of Black History Month’s research themes and why they require your support. The 2020 research theme focuses on Black migration.
[27:41] Why you should sign-up as a member of ASALH, support Black History Month, attend the annual February luncheons and fall conference meetings.
[30:34] Spencer-Dunn describes how Kiamasha youth programs convey positive self-reflections to Black teens.
[31:20] Spencer-Dunn explains how interested parents and teachers can’t get teens enrolled in Kiamsha programs.
[36:23] Ways in which you should include ASALH in your life as a component for creating a Blacknificent Life!
[38:00] What Mary McLeod Bethune, noted educator, stateswoman, activist and first female president of ASALH, thought about Dr. Woodson.
[39:23] The importance of historic truth to personal knowledge and self-development.
ReferencesASALH Website: https://asalh.org/Kiamsha Youth Empowerment Network website: https://kiamshayouth.org/about/