The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAHGS), the premier organization which commemorates the historic contributions of Americans of African descent from 1619 to present-day, changed the format of its national annual conference from in-person to virtual. We changed the format “due to the public health impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to support the health and well-being of our supporters, members, and their families,” explained AAHGS press officer Toni Byrd-Vann. The conference dates remain the same, Wednesday to Saturday, October 14 -17, 2020.
AAHGS helps to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity by teaching research techniques and disseminating information throughout the community. Through its many chapters, the organization promotes scholarly research, provide resources for historical and genealogical studies, create a network of persons with similar interests, and assist members in documenting their histories.
One advantage of the virtual conference is that AAHGS can more easily reach the global community during a time when a number of organizations, societies, and movements are innovating to help raise the consciousness of the people. “We are looking forward to this conference to emerge and educate people with another level of understanding by addressing the false narrative on our history,” added Byrd-Vann.