SENIOR LEGACY RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Celebrating Lives. Preserving History. Honoring Legacy.
The OASC Senior Legacy Recognition Program honors members and community leaders whose lives, achievements, and service have enriched our communities and advanced the mission of preserving African American history, culture, and heritage. Through recognition, documentation, and the preservation of personal histories, OASC celebrates the lasting contributions of our senior members and ensures that their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
The program is dedicated first and foremost to recognizing our Living Legacies, individuals whose wisdom, leadership, accomplishments, and service continue to impact families, communities, institutions, and future generations. These honorees provide us with the opportunity to celebrate their lives, express our gratitude, and preserve their stories while they are still with us.
In addition, OASC preserves the memory of distinguished members and leaders who have entered eternal rest through the Eternal Legacy Archive, ensuring that their contributions to OASC, African American history, education, civic engagement, and community advancement are never forgotten.
Together, these recognitions create a living and historical record of the individuals whose dedication, sacrifice, leadership, and service have strengthened our organization and our communities.
Below are the recognition categories.
OASC Senior Legacy Recognition Program
Our Authors Study Club Senior Legacy Recognition Program honors the elders whose lives, service, leadership, and memories help preserve the story of our organization and the broader African American community.
This program was created to ensure that we do not lose the stories of those who helped build, sustain, and inspire OASC. Through recognition, oral history, photographs, biographies, and archival documentation, we celebrate our senior members while preserving their legacy for future generations.
Program Purpose
The Senior Legacy Recognition Program is designed to:
- Honor senior members at meaningful life milestones
- Preserve personal and organizational history
- Collect oral histories, photographs, and biographical information
- Keep senior members connected to OASC
- Build a permanent legacy archive for future generations
Recognition Categories
Distinguished Seniors
Ages 80–89
Honoring members who have reached the age of 80 and whose lives reflect service, commitment, and community connection.
Legacy Leaders
Ages 90–99
Honoring members who have reached the age of 90 and whose experiences, leadership, and wisdom continue to inspire others.
Centenarian Legacy Circle
Ages 100 and older
Honoring members who have reached 100 years of age or older. Centenarians may receive special OASC recognition along with city, county, or state commendations when available.
How Recognition Works
Members are recognized at major age milestones:
- First recognition at age 80
- Next recognition at age 90
- Special recognition at age 100 and above
If a new member joins OASC after already reaching one of these milestones, they may be recognized at the New Member Reception. After that, they will be recognized again when they reach the next milestone category.
Oral History and Legacy Preservation
The heart of this program is the preservation of stories.
Each honoree may be invited to participate in an oral history interview so that OASC can document:
- Family background
- Childhood memories
- Education
- Career and community service
- OASC involvement
- Church, civic, and organizational affiliations
- Major historical events witnessed
- Lessons learned
- Photographs and memorabilia
These stories become part of OASC’s growing historical record.
Certificates and Commendations
OASC will provide certificates of recognition for members in the 80 and 90 age categories.
For members who are 100 years old or older, OASC may also seek official commendations from local, county, or state offices. These requests require advance planning and basic biographical information.
Honorary Membership
Senior members may be maintained in OASC records as honorary members. Honorary members remain part of the organization’s history and community connection, even when they are no longer active dues-paying members.
Information Needed for Recognition
Families or sponsors may be asked to provide:
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Current age
- Family information
- Education
- Career or occupation
- Community service
- OASC involvement
- Church or civic affiliations
- Awards or honors
- Photographs
- A brief biography
- Permission to publish selected information
Preserving Our Legacy
The Senior Legacy Recognition Program is more than an award. It is a commitment to remember, document, and honor the people whose lives tell the story of OASC.
Through this program, we celebrate our elders while preserving their stories for generations to come.
Recognition Categories
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
The Centenarian Legacy Circle honors individuals who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years of age or older. These honorees represent living history and a century of wisdom, perseverance, achievement, and service. What a milestone and a blessing!
Legacy Leaders (90–99)
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
The Legacy Leaders category recognizes distinguished individuals ages of 90-99 whose accomplishments, leadership, and contributions continue to make a lasting impact on their families, communities, professions, and organizations.
Distinguished Seniors (80–89)
Centenarian Legacy Circle (100+)
Distinguished Seniors (80–89)
The Distinguished Seniors category recognizes individuals ages 80-89 for their lifetime achievements, leadership, and service. These honorees are celebrated for the important role they have played in preserving history and strengthening future generations.