“Celebrating A Century of Black History Commemorations“
Welcome to the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of ASALH
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of ASALH, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, established in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson. Here you can join the ranks of thousands of other members and experience the richness of the ASALH organization, activities and events, and how we labor in the service of Black people and all humanity.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about the organization, our ongoing work, or membership.
ASALH 2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
The 2026 ASALH National Theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations invites individuals and communities to reflect on a century of remembrance, explore how commemorations have shaped public understanding of Black history, and consider their role in transforming social status, identity, and cultural recognition. It emphasizes the power of intentional commemoration — from early local traditions of celebrating emancipation and historic milestones to today’s wide-ranging programs in schools, museums, workplaces, and public life — as a tool for education, affirmation, and resistance.
At its core, A Century of Black History Commemorations asks us not only to honor the past but to understand how the act of remembering has influenced the present and how future commemorations can deepen justice, inclusion, and truth in historical narratives.
The Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch Proudly Launches its Quarterly Newsletter: The McKenzie Legacy
Introducing the McKenzie Legacy, a Quarterly Newsletter produced by the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Pittsburgh Branch of ASALH
The McKenzie Legacy Quarterly Newsletter is built on 3 Fundamental Principles of Action:
> Preserving Black History
> Activating Community
> Shaping the Future
BECOME A NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER TODAY
The vision is to create a living Black history archive delivered by email.
It will feel like:
> Being invited into community
> Sitting with and learning from scholars, elders, and griots
> Walking through history
2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. “Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives, but its resonance in the lives of Black people.” —ASALH
Programs & Events
The Power of Memory: Freedom has a cost. We remember those who paid it.
Why Martyrs Day Matters Now
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, it is more important than ever to reckon honestly with our history. Martyrs Day is not about dwelling in the past — it is about understanding how the past shapes our present, and using that understanding to build a more just future.
America’s 250th Anniversary
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Martyrs Day offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on the full scope of American history — including the stories of those who fought and died to make the nation’s founding ideals a reality for all people. We encourage communities, schools, churches, and civic organizations to incorporate Martyrs Day into their 250th anniversary programming, creating space for honest reflection, education, and recommitment to justice.
Edna B. McKenzie Branch Martyrs Day Celebration:
“Our History Is The Future: The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch of ASALH Inaugural Commemoration of Martyrs Day”.
“We are making history. The Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch, Association for the Study of African American Life and History is the first ASALH Branch to recognize Martyrs Day. The McKenzie Branch is honored to be in the forefront supporting, promoting and disseminating information about Martyrs Day...
The following Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch members are on the National Martyrs Day Inaugural Committee: Lea Blumenfeld. Martha Richards Conley, Esquire. Gwen Howze. Bonita Penn. Anita D Russell. Tamara M. Saunders. Dr. Artie Travis.” — Ronald B. Saunders. Branch President
Trying to figure our how to join this amazing organization? Becoming a Member of ASALH is super easy!
Full membership includes both National and the Local Branch. Multiple Membership Options are available, including: Youth, Individual, Senior, Dual Membership for Couples, Institutional and Corporate
Branch Highlights
Truth Builders: Legendary ASALH Women
Reimagine We: A Platform for Personal transformation,
Community Engagement, and Collective liberation
Women’s History Month:
Featuring Rev. B. De Neice Welch, PhD & Dr. Margaret History
Members and Family Involved in Labor
Branch Recognition, Celebration & Engagement
Members of the Dr. Edna B. McKenzie Branch receive cognition for demonstrating a strong commitment and engagement with the local community and beyond.
RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY 14:
McKenzie Branch was awarded a plaque for outstanding contributions to the field of African American History by the Greater Pittsburgh Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Greater Pittsburgh Section NCNW Valentine’s Gala at the Rivers Club. The NCNW/Mon Valley/Pittsburgh Section 13th Annual Legacy Awards Luncheon.
CELEBRATION
January 14:
Branch First Vice President Rev. President B. De Neice Welch, PhD was honored at her Retirement Dinner. Dr. Welch retired from her role as Senior Pastor at Bidwell Presbyterian Church.
At the Retirement Dinner, Rev. Welch was also awarded a plaque from the branch. It was presented by President Saunders for outstanding contributions to her faith community and community at large.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
February 26:
Rev. Welch gave an outstanding Black History Month Presentation at AARP Chapter 4542 at St James Church — On Black Boys- St. James Church
February 21:
All You Can Eat (Free) Pancake Breakfast at the Sewickly AME Chuche. Followed by Tuskegee Airmen Outdoor Memorial Visit.
February 7:
African American Read In Feb 7, 2026 at Carnegie Library Homewood
READ MORE…
Ronald B. Saunders, Branch President
“Preserving Our History, Inspiring Our Future”
As we reflect on the achievements of the 2025, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Edna B. McKenzie and all those who continue the work of chronicling African American life, history, and culture. Thank you for your active participation, your passion, and your commitment to truth and community empowerment.”—Ronald B. Saunders, Branch President
—Ronald B. Saunders, Branch President
The ASALH Pittsburgh Branch carries the legendary name of Dr. Edna B. Mckenzie.
Established on September 9, 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, we are the Founders of Black History Month and carry forth the work of our founder, the Father of Black History.
ASALH’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge about Black History, to be, in short, the nexus between the Ivory Tower and the global public. We labor in the service of Blacks and all humanity
BRANCH LEADERSHIP GALLERY
Alexis
Clipper
Alonna
Carter
Anita
Russell
Rev. B. De Neice Welch, PhD
Betty
Pickett
Judith
Saunders
Tamara Saunders
Madelyn Turner-Dickerson, PhD
Artie
Travis, PhD
Rev John C.
Welch, PhD
Glen
Howze
DR. EDNA B. MCKENZIE
Dec 29, 1923 – June 26, 2005
Image © Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive
PIONEERING JOURNALIST AND HISTORIAN: IN THE COMPANY OF GREATNESS.
Dr. McKenzie was known for never having a harsh word against anyone, but what she wrote for the Pittsburgh Courier powered the collapse of discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. Dr. McKenzie was an accomplished pianist and the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in history at the University Pittsburgh
Dr. McKenzie began her career at the Courier as a society reporter in the 1940s, quickly jumping to the news desk and covering lynchings and other hard news alongside the men. When she went on the road for her series on discrimination, Charles “Teenie” Harris, the Courier’s legendary photographer often accompanied her to document what happened.
Armed with her pet phrase “tell the truth,” Dr. McKenzie was meticulous in documenting Black history. She believed history could be used to empower, inform, and teach, and that Black people should never be ashamed of their history.
ASALH 2026 National Theme: A Century of Black History Commemorations
“The goal of Negro History Week was to study, teach, and promote the significant contributions…
…that Black people had made to American society. From our writers to our inventors, our politicians to our teachers, our artists to our musicians—it was designed to document our lives from American slavery to freedom and to fill the historical gaps deliberately overlooked to miseducate our children. In 1976, Negro History Week, which by then had evolved into Black History Month, was officially recognized and proclaimed by President Gerald Ford. We are now at a moment where we are celebrating a century of Black History Commemorations—50 years of Negro History Week and 50 years of Black History Month.
“We built this country. We tamed the land, and we cultivated the crops. Our unpaid labor and the buying and selling of our bodies are the cornerstone of America and of American capitalism. Our blood is mixed with the soil, and the wind carries forward our tears of both sorrow and joy. We fought in the wars for democracy abroad and at home. James Baldwin once wrote, in an open letter to Bishop Desmond Tutu, that the fight for Black freedom makes white freedom possible. “Indeed,” he notes, “our freedom, which we have been forced to buy at such a high price, is the only hope of freedom that they have.” To celebrate America at this moment requires us to fully situate ourselves within the narrative, not as a footnote, but as main characters who have helped shape this American experience and the American story.” —ASALH
The winner of the 2026 ASALH Book Prize is Jarvis C. McInnis
Black history is American History, and as we have done every year since 1926, we will proclaim and celebrate Black History Month!
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Dr. Edna B. McKenzie
Pittsburgh Branch of ASALH
mckenzie.asalhpgh@gmail.com
PO Box 174776
Pittsburgh PA 15235 USA
DR. EDNA B. MCKENZIE BRANCH OF ASALH 