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ASALH, established in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, is the world’s oldest learned society dedicated to empowering communities through knowledge, fostering racial understanding, and promoting an appreciation for African American history and culture.
OASC is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of ASALH. By joining OASC, you automatically become a member of ASALH as well. Our membership is open to individuals and organizations that support our mission and vision through dues-paying participation. We encourage members to engage in programs that document local history, provide scholarships for youth, promote Black authors, and celebrate Black life, history, and culture in the Southland and beyond.
We also invite our members to actively support ASALH by participating in national programs, events, and publications. Members are welcome to attend the Annual Meeting held during the Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Member Benefits
Local Benefits
- 20% Discount on Coveted Lapel Pins: Enjoy a 20% discount on our exclusive lapel pins, perfect for accentuating your membership sash.
- Early Access to Black History Month Bus Tour: Secure your spot before the tour opens to the public.
- Discounts on Paid Events, Programs, and Merchandise: Benefit from reduced rates for our curated events.
- Access to Members-Only Resources: Gain entry to exclusive historical archives, local initiatives, and member-specific information.
- Voting Rights: Participate in our organizational elections to shape our future.
- Invitations to Exclusive Events: Attend author talks, cultural celebrations, and networking mixers reserved for members.
- Exclusive Member Spotlight: Feature your business or book in our dedicated members-only directory, enhancing your visibility within a vibrant, culturally engaged community.
- 10% Discount on Malik Books: Save 10% on all purchases at Malik Books, curated exclusively for our members.
National Benefits
- Free Digital Subscription to All Publications: Enjoy a complimentary digital subscription to all publications, including the Journal of African American History (JAAH), Black History Bulletin (BHB), and Fire!: The Multimedia Journal of Black Studies.
- Print and Digital Subscription to the Journal of African American History: Branch members receive a print copy in addition to the digital version.
- Discounts on Conference Registration Fees: Benefit from reduced rates on conference registrations.
- One Vote in Each Year’s Executive Council Election: Exercise your right to shape our organizational future with one vote per election.
- Free Posting on ASALH Platforms: Post books on the ASALH Bookshelf and share news, events, and job listings on the ASALH Community Board at no cost.
- Opportunities to Present and Participate: Present at the ASALH Annual Conference and participate in the Author’s Book Signing Event.
Corporate and Institutional Members
- Two Sets of the Black History Month Kit: Receive two sets of posters and other promotional materials designed to celebrate Black history.
- Two Print and Digital Subscriptions to the Black History Bulletin: Enjoy comprehensive access to the Bulletin in both print and digital formats.
- Two Subscriptions to the Journal of African American History: Access both the print and digital versions of the Journal for in-depth scholarly insights.
- All Individual Member Benefits: Enjoy all the same benefits available to individual members.
*Please note: Once digital publication access is granted, subscriptions cannot be canceled. Print annual subscriptions are available for an additional $20 for the JAAH and $20 for the BHB, and digital subscriptions include all back issues.
Pay Online or Through US Mail Here!
Pay Online
Fast, Secure & Recommended
Complete your membership application and pay online through our secure membership portal.With online membership you can:
- Join or renew your membership
- Select your membership category
- Pay securely by credit or debit card
- Choose automatic annual renewal (optional)
- Receive an email confirmation of your membership
Membership ViA US Mail
Prefer to Mail Your Application?
Download the membership application, complete it, and mail it with your check or money order.
Mail completed applications to:
Our Authors Study Club, Inc.
PO Box 361454
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(562) 270-4881
What Members should know about the cultural guide listing
Membership Renewal & African American cultural calendar and Guide Listing
The Our Authors Study Club (OASC) membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. Members are considered active once dues are paid for the current year. Members who have not yet renewed for the upcoming year are considered pending renewal until the end of the renewal period.
The primary membership renewal window is October 1 through December 31. Early fall renewal is encouraged as it supports timely planning and programming for the year ahead, particularly during the busy end-of-year season.
Members who renew after the guide deadline remain valued members of the OASC community. Once dues are paid, their membership status is updated to active, restoring eligibility to vote and hold leadership positions. Publication deadlines may limit inclusion in printed materials.
OASC understands that financial circumstances vary and values long-standing relationships and participation. Members who need additional time are encouraged to reach out confidentially.
Inclusion of a member’s name in the beautiful, city-wide table top "African American Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide" is offered as a membership perk and is not a bylaw requirement. Due to space limitations and city production deadlines, and in alignment with requirements from the National office of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), only members who renew by December 15 are eligible to have their names listed in that year’s African American Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide. This date reflects National membership timelines as well as local publication requirements.
For more detailed information, please refer to the OASC Bylaws.
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