History
Sharing the Legacy of
African American History for Over 62 Years
When a group of Terminal Annex postal workers brought their proposal to Mrs. Vassie Davis Wright, Our Authors Study Club (OASC) was formed on February 14, 1945 . Mrs. Wright recommended that the group affiliate with Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s organization, now known as The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
On September 9, 1915 , Dr. Woodson met in Chicago with Alexander L. Jackson, Executive Secretary of the new Negro YMCA branch. In addition to Woodson and Jackson, three other men were present: George C. Hall, W. B. Hargrove, and J. E. Stamps. At this meeting they formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and appointed Dr. Woodson Executive Director, a post he held until his death in 1950. Today, ASALH is an international organization with 53 branches in 21 states and Nigeria , West Africa . Its headquarters is at Howard University in Washington , DC . Dr. Carter G. Woodson, himself, chartered Our Authors Study Club as the Los Angeles Branch in June 1945 and OASC incorporated in 1946.
Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC) began celebrating citywide what was Negro History Week in 1949. In 1950, Mayor Fletcher Bowron issued the first proclamation acknowledging Our Authors Study Club, Inc. as the primary sponsor and inviting citizens of Los Angeles to join the celebration. Every Mayor since that time has acknowledged OASC’s leadership role in this celebration. In 1959, while serving as General Chairperson for Negro History Week, the late Councilman Gilbert Lindsay, moved the Opening Ceremony to City Hall Steps where the celebration takes place every year that weather permits. Otherwise, this celebration has taken place in City Council Chambers and elsewhere in and around City Hall. The year of the nation’s Bicentennial, 1976, the celebration was expanded to the entire month of February.
Current OASC programs include scholarships for deserving College Students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree and Ph.D. Candidates researching African American history, literature and/or culture; a Reading Program for Elementary School Students; and, an Oratorical Contest for High School Students. In addition to the Opening Ceremony at City Hall, activities continue with a Tour of African American landmarks in Los Angeles and the annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Luncheon where the achievements of local history makers are recognized.
Our Authors Study Club, Inc. supports the restoration of Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s home in Washington , DC , now declared a national treasure, and community organizations including the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC).