AAHGS 2023 Annual Awards

 

The nomination period for AAHGS Annual Awards is now Closed!

Submit a nomination

See Previous Awardees

 

CRITERIA

James Dent Walker Award: The James Dent Walker Award is the highest award that can be bestowed by AAHGS upon a person who has exhibited distinguished accomplishments through a significant and measurable contribution to the research, documentation, and/or preservation of African American history. Membership in AAHGS is not required. [Recognition: Honorary life membership, plaque, brass membership card, permanent name display]

Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Meritorious Achievement Awards: The Paul Edward Sluby, Sr. and Jean Sampson-Scott Meritorious Achievement Awards are the second highest awards that can be bestowed by AAHGS upon an organization(s) or person(s) who has exhibited distinguished performance through a significant and measurable contribution to African American history and/or genealogy within the past two years. No more than two awards in this category will be given annually. Membership in AAHGS is not required. [Recognition: Plaque, permanent name display]

Marsha M. Greenlee, History Award: The Marsha M. Greenlee History Award is presented to a person or group for outstanding and measurable achievements in the field of African American history (e.g., history, anthropology, etc.). The nomination will be judged on scholarship, presentation, and originality. This nomination should result from the publication of a book, dissertation, or other manuscript produced by the recipient. No more than two awards in this category will be given annually.  Only members of AAHGS and affiliated groups are eligible for this award. [Recognition: Plaque]

Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Genealogy Award:  The Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Genealogy Award is presented to a person or persons for original research in support of African American genealogy. The nomination will be judged on scholarly and original research and must document the genealogy of African American ancestors. No more than two awards in this category will be given annually. Only members of AAHGS and affiliated groups are eligible for this award. [Recognition: Plaque]

Debra Newman Ham, Educator Award:  The Debra Newman Ham Educator Award seeks to promote excellence in education by recognizing the contributions of K-12 educators employed in state-approved schools and/or private church-based schools.  They do this by providing students with a thorough understanding of African American history, genealogy, and culture.  No more than two awards in this category will be given annually. This award is not necessarily presented each year. [Recognition: Plaque]

The Distinguished National Service Award recognizes an AAHGS member who has provided extraordinary, dedicated service of direct benefit to the AAHGS organization at the national level. Such service may be for a single act or for continuing service that far exceeds the expectations of AAHGS national leadership in achieving the goals of the organization. [Recognition: Plaque, Honorary Life Membership]

Chapter of the Year Award:  This award is bestowed on an AAHGS chapter that has made outstanding contributions to the AAHGS mission to preserve African American history and genealogy through sponsorship of quality chapter programs, activities, and services over the past year.   This award is not necessarily presented each year. [Recognition: Plaque]

On-The-Spot Award:  The On-The-Spot Award is presented to a Chapter member for a recent, specific, measurable accomplishment that impacts or contributes to AAHGS's mission and goals. Only financial members of AAHGS chapters are eligible for this award. This award is not necessarily presented each year. [Recognition: Payment of AAHGS national membership dues for the next calendar year]
   
The Certificate of Appreciation:  The Certificate of Appreciation is presented to an individual or team who has contributed to AAHGS or its principles and deserves a token of thanks. The Certificate will result from an act(s) performed within two years of its presentation.  Anyone can receive a Certificate of Appreciation in addition to other awards.  Membership in AAHGS is not required.

AAHGS President’s Award:  The AAHGS President’s Award is presented to a member who has rendered outstanding service to AAHGS for a minimum of five (5) years at a personal sacrifice of time. This nominee has also contributed immeasurably to the growth and well-being of AAHGS.  Such service may be for a single continuing activity, or for a variety of activities. The President alone is the sole selector of the recipient of this award. [Recognition: Plaque; Honorary Life Membership]