Pittsburgh Celebrates Commitment to Black History and Community Service
In the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and appreciation as the 2024 National Conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH) took place on September 25. This year, the spotlight shined brightly on a remarkable individual—Aaisha Haykal, the manager of archival services at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. She was honored with the prestigious President’s Service Award, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to community service and advocacy for Black history.
Aaisha Haykal’s Path to Recognition
Haykal’s journey is truly inspiring. As she stood on stage holding her award, surrounded by friends and colleagues, you could feel the pride emanating from her as she accepted this well-deserved accolade. The President’s Service Award is not handed out lightly; it recognizes those individuals who deeply represent ASALH’s mission to champion the history and contributions of African Americans.
In her dual roles at the College of Charleston, Haykal has made significant contributions to both the academic and local communities. As the manager of archival services at the Avery Research Center, she takes the lead in ensuring the preservation of invaluable Black history collections that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. This isn’t just about archives for Haykal; it’s about making history accessible. She works tirelessly to allow students, faculty, and researchers to tap into the rich tapestry of Black history that resonates profoundly in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry area.
Dedication to Education and Community
But Haykal’s influence doesn’t stop with archives. In addition to her role at the Avery Research Center, she serves as the associate director of the Women’s & Gender Studies program. This allows her to integrate her passion for history with interdisciplinary research and educational initiatives, developing programs that are both informative and transformative. Currently, she is also a principal investigator on the ambitious “Liberatory Literacies” project, a $2 million grant awarded by the Mellon Foundation aimed at promoting a better understanding of cultural histories and literary practices.
“Avery, ASALH and the Charleston community are continually transformed through Aaisha’s exemplary leadership as a scholar,” shared Tamara Butler, Executive Director of the Avery Research Center. Her heartfelt words reflect the reverence held for such an impactful figure in their midst. It’s clear that Haykal’s work reverberates through countless lives, making her a role model for so many.
Impact on Future Generations
John White, the dean of College Libraries at the College of Charleston, shared similar sentiments, expressing that Haykal’s work “not only preserves our past but also inspires our students, faculty, and community members to engage with history in meaningful ways.” This goes beyond typical archival work; it is a bridge that connects people to their heritage, promoting a deeper understanding of cultural narratives.
Leadership in the Archival Community
Aaisha Haykal’s commitment to furthering Black history is not just felt within the college and ASALH. Her leadership extends to notable organizations like the Society of American Archivists and the Black Metropolis Research Consortium in Chicago. These roles illustrate her dedication to improving the field of archiving and promoting African American history on a larger scale.
Before she took on her current roles, Haykal gathered experience as the university archivist at Chicago State University. There, she delved into her research interests that encompass Black history, digital preservation, censorship, and community archiving. Each step has been marked by a clear intent to uplift and provide visibility to narratives that have historically been marginalized.
Conclusion
Aaisha Haykal’s recent recognition at the ASALH conference showcases not just her individual achievements, but the ongoing movement to celebrate and preserve Black history across the nation. Her passion, leadership, and commitment serve as a guiding light for both her community and future generations of historians. As we look forward to the unfolding stories of our past, it’s individuals like Haykal that inspire us to engage, learn, and grow together.
