Skip to main content
Help Support AAHGS    Donate Today
Join Today
HomeAnnual Awards

AAHGS 2026 Annual Awards



AAHGS 2026 Annual Awards

  
2026 Annual Award
Nomination Form

2026 Annual Award nominations closed on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

View Previous Book Awardees

2026 International AAHGS Book Awards Winners

 

Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy

Rahimah Rahim

Carol A. Baldwin

Dr. Dana D. Williams

Denise R. Hayman

Courtney Thornton

J. C. Moore

David J. Mason

Sarah Valentine

Daniel E. Atkinson, PhD

Andrea R. Martin

Michael Carter, Jr.

Stephen Gray

Christine B. Carpenter

2026 National Award Winners

 

Dr. Stanton F. Biddle, posthumously (James Dent Walker Award)

Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C.M. Boxley (Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Meritorious Achievement Award)

Leland Owen Clark (The Marcia M. Greenlee History Award)

William O. Ritchie Jr., PhD (Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Genealogy Award)

Taneya Koonce (Distinguished National Service Award)

Tamu M. Taylor (Distinguished National Service Award)

Dawnya Lindsey (President's Award)

Jeanette Madison (President's Award)

Stephen Townson (On-The-Spot Award)

Stephanie Powers (On-The-Spot Award)

Dr. Tamiquia T. Simon (On-The-Spot Award)

Michelle Evans Oliver (On-The-Spot Award)

Sandhills Chapter, North Carolina (Chapter of the Year Award)

2025 Elections Committee: Brenda Williams, Stephanie Woods Miller, Johnetta Miner, Clevlyn Anderson, Bettina Y. Falwell (Certificate of Appreciation)

Programs & Education Committee, Research Facilitators: Dr. Tamiquia T. Simon, Kelly McCoy, Doris A. Wright, TaMara Powell (Certificate of Appreciation)


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, permanent name display]


Paul Edward Sluby Sr/Jean Sampson Scott Meritorious Achievement Awards

The Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./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]


Marcia M. Greenlee,
History Award

The Marcia 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

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 which far exceeds the expectations of AAHGS national leadership in achieving the goals of the organization.

[Recognition: Plaque, Honorary Life Membership]


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, in addition, 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]


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.


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.

Any chapter wishing to receive the ‘Chapter of the Year Award’ must be in compliance with all of AAHGS bylaws and policies in order to be considered. 

This award is not necessarily presented each year. [Recognition: Plaque]


Past Winners of the National AAHGS Awards

The AAHGS Awards has a storied history of distinguished award winners. Since 1982, we have recognized those individuals, groups, or organizations who have made a significant contribution in the furtherance of the AAHGS mission to preserve African-ancestored family history, genealogy, and cultural diversity.

2025 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: David Anthony Taylor
Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Meritorious Achievement Award: Leonard Swinson
The Marcia M. Greenlee History Award: Anthony Cochran
The Marcia M. Greenlee History Award: Ashley Farmer
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Genealogy Award: Jari Christopher Honora
On-the-Spot Award: Desi Campbell
On-the-Spot Award: M. Patricia Johnson
On-the-Spot Award: Regina Barry
On-the-Spot Award: Lori Johnson
Chapter of the Year Award: Jean Sampson Scott, Greater New York Chapter
Certificate of Appreciation: Bylaws Committee: Diane Thompkins, Lisa Beal, Stephanie Trice, Dr. Glenda Overstreet-Vaughn
Certificate of Appreciation: 2025 Call for Papers Committee: Rhonda Barrow, Denise Hayman, Regina Roberts

2024 Award Winners

Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Meritorious Achievement Award: Iredell County Public Library
The Marcia M. Greenlee History Award: Edda L. Fields-Black
Distinguished National Service Award: LaJoy Y Mosby
Distinguished National Service Award: Sybil Williams
On-the-Spot Award: Karen Stewart Ross
Certificate of Appreciation: Website Development Team: Nadia Sweat, Larry Clark, Eugene Armstead, Taneya Koonce, and Tamu Taylor
Certificate of Appreciation: Program Committee: Stacey G. Bell, Debbie-Ann Paige, Frances Moore

2023 Award Winners

James Dent Walker: Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Jean Sampson-Scott: Clevlyn Bankhead-Anderson and Stephen E. Hammond
Paul Edward Sluby: Clevlyn Bankhead-Anderson and Stephen E. Hammond
Chapter of the Year: Metro Atlanta Chapter
On-the-Spot: Carol Austin, Mary Crosby and Taneya Koonce
Certificates of Appreciation: Jacqueline Mary Tillman-Lewis, Judy Rose Weaver and the Chapters Committee

2022 Award Winners

Jean Sampson-Scott: Stacy Ashmore Cole
Paul Edward Sluby/Jean Sampson-Scott: Adrienne Whaley
Chapter of the Year: Greater Richmond
On-the-Spot: Lisa Beal, Dawnya Lindsey, Guy Weston
AAHGS President’s Award: Dr. Shelley V. Murphy
Certificates of Appreciation: Eugene Armstead, Renee Jones, John Taylor, Bessida White

2021 Award Winners

James Dent Walker: Ric Murphy
Jean Sampson-Scott: Gwendolyn Midlo Hall
Paul Edward Sluby: Barnetta McGhee White
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Genealogy: Tamika Strong
Marcia M. Greenlee, History: Betty Kearse
Chapter of the Year: Nashville Chapter
On-the-Spot: Lisa Bratton
AAHGS President’s Award: Paula Whatley Matabane
AAHGS President’s Award: Cheryl L. Dungey
Certificates of Appreciation: 2021 Call For Papers Committee

2020 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Jean Sampson Meritorious Achievement Award: Nichelle Smith
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Genealogy Award: LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, Nicka Sewell-Smith
Distinguished Service Award: Zann Nelson
Marcia M. Greenlee, History Award: Ron Armstead
Certificate of Appreciation: USA Today 1619 Team: Deborah Barfield Berry, Jarrad Henderson, Shawn Sullivan
On-the-Spot Award: Toni Byrd-Vann

2019 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Sharon Morgan
Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Award: Paul Heinegg
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Genealogy Award: Bernice Bennett
Distinguished Service Award: Calvin Pearson, Project 1619
Chapter of the Year Award: Agnes Kane Callum, Baltimore Chapter
Certificate of Appreciation:
Johnette Brooks
Rosalyn Green
2019 Call for Papers Committee Members: Lyndra Marshall, Carolyn Copening Rowe, Janet Simpson, Steve Townsend
On-the-Spot Award: Irving Smith

2018 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Charles L. Blockson
Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Award: Marvin T. Jones; and the African American Special Interest Group (AASIG) of the Washington DC Family History Center
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Genealogy Award: Char McCargo Bah
Marcia M. Greenlee History Award: Mary Jackson Fears 
Chapter of the Year Award: AHGS-New England Chapter
Certificate of Appreciation: Nathania Branch-Miles; Franklin Carter Smith; and Julia Porter
On-the-Spot Award: Selma Stewart

2017 Award Winners

Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Award: Robyn N. Smith
President's Award: Lamar Deloatch, Stella M. Pierce

2016 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Lonnie G. Bunch, III
Paul Edward Sluby, Sr./Jean Sampson-Scott Award: Melvin J. Collier
Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Genealogy Award: Ric Murphy and Jerome Spears
Marcia M. Greenlee History Award: Margo Lee Williams
President's Award: Toni Byrd Vann
Chapter of the Year Award: Prince George’s County of Maryland AAHGS Chapter
Certificate of Appreciation: Robert L. Wimberly, Sr.
On-the-Spot Award: Clifford Winbush

2015 Award Winners

President’s Award: Gene Stephenson, Sherri Camp

2014 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Roland Barksdale-Hall
Distinguished National Service Award Award: Sylvia Cooke Martin, Edwin Washington Jr.
Education Award: Vernon Scott
Chapter of the Year Award: Central Maryland
Certificates of Appreciation: Sonya Hodges, Lyndra Marshall; Harry B. and the Late Pamela L. Matthews

2013 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Cmdr. William Nolden Henderson
President’s Award: Roland Barksdale-Hall
Genealogy Award: Joyce Higgins and Erwin D. Polk
National Distinguished Service Award: Roland Barksdale-Hall and William Quinn Oscar Shelton
James Dent Walker (posthumously) Sluby Meritorious Service Award: Drs. Alvin D. and Gayle Jackson
Scott Meritorious Service Award: Henriette Cain
On-the-Spot Award: Shelley Murphy
Certificates of Appreciation: Shelley Murphy, Drusilla Pair, Angela Walton-Raji, Julia Porter
Chapter of the Year Award: AAHGS-Prince George’s

2012 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Carolyn C. Rowe
Genealogy Award: Lyndra P. Marshall
History Award: Melvin J. Collier
Meritorious Award: Marion Woodfolk Simmons
President’s Award: Lucius Bowser (posthumously)
Chapter of the Year Award: Metro Atlanta
On-the-Spot Award: Pauline Austin
Certificates of Appreciation: Rhonda Barrow, Nathania Branch Miles, Patricia Sluby, Metro Atlanta Chapter

2011 Award Winner

President’s Award: Alice F. Harris

2008 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Lillian K. Beverly
President’s Award: Nathania Branch Miles, Jane Taylor Thomas
Education Award: Joseph L. Douglas, Jr.
Meritorious Award: California Advocate Newspaper
Certificates of Appreciation: Willie Mae Haskin, Anthony D. Young Sr., Alondra Young, Audrey Watkins-Combs

2007 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis
Genealogy Award: Jane Taylor Thomas
President’s Award: Charles Howard

2006 Award Winners

Genealogy Award: Millie L. McGhee Morris
History Award: Anna Mae Queen Holmes, Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis
President’s Award: Khadijah Matin, Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis
Certificates of Appreciation: Ann Wicks Carter, Charles Howard
Audrey R. Johnson-Thornton

2005 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Lucius A. Bowser
Genealogy Award: Creola A. Pittman Colon
President’s Award: Beverly Babin Woods
Certificates of Appreciation: Pauline Robinson Drake; Willie Mae Haskin; Denise Lancaster-Young; Aaron L. Keys, Alondra Deanna Michaela Young

2004 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Agnes Kane Callum
Meritorious Service Award: Charles W. White
History Award: Beverly C. Mitchell-Foster
President’s Award: Richard Barnes
Genealogy and Certificate of Appreciation: Glenn D. Cunningham (Posthumously)

2003 Award Winners

AAHGS President Emeritus Award: Barbara Dodson Walker
Education Award: Dr. Charles Christian
History Award: Dr. Adele Logan Alexander, Roland Barksdale-Hall
President’s Award: Susan Victoria Walker
Certificate of Appreciation: Amanda Edwards

2002 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Jerry M. Hynson
Genealogy Award: Frank Dorman
History Award: Marlene Bransom
President’s Award: Lucius A. Bowser
Certificate of Appreciation: Lorraine Miller

2001 Award Winners

James Dent Walker Award: Adlean Harris
Meritorious Achievement Award: Pearl-Alice Marsh, Reginald Washington
Genealogy Award: Roland Stead
History Award: Valerie Cunningham
President’s Award: Carolyn C. Rowe
Letter of Appreciation: Sonia Bontemps

2000 Award Winners

President’s Award: Renee Ingram, Diane Thompkins, Edwin Bradford Washington, Jr.

1999 Award Winners

President’s Award (Life Memberships): Roland Mills, Sylvia Polk-Burriss

1998 Award Winners

President’s Award: Elizabeth Johnson, Antonia Martin, Theresa Rector, Stephen Townsend, Margo Williams

1997 Award Winners

Founders Award: Elizabeth Clark-Lewis
Distinguished Service Award: Barbara Dodson Walker

1991 Award Winners

President’s Award: Lillie Atkinson, Gwendolyn Hackley Austin, Lynne Clark, Leroy Graham, Ibrahim Kargbo, Sylvia Cooke Martin, Coy Robbins

1990 Award Winners

President’s Award: Ophelia T. Pinkard
Distinguished Service Award: Anthony Browder, Elizabeth Clark-Lewis

1989 Award Winners

President’s Award: Norman L. Peters, Jean Sampson Scott
Distinguished Service Award: Dorothy Height, Dorothy Redford
Superior Service Award: Fotocraft Club, Gum Springs Historical Society, Beulah “Meach” Buckner, Lynne Clark, Sandra M. Lawson, Harry B. Matthews, Catherine Taylor McConnell, Coy Robbins
Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service: Catherine McConnell

1983 Award Winner

President’s Award: Patricia Carter Ives

1982 Award Winner

President’s Award: Paul Edward Sluby, Sr.
National Office
 
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

P. O. Box 73067
Washington, DC 20056-3067

202.234.5350

info@aahgs.org
Help Support AAHGS

Donate Today