Catie Cleveland
Credit: avery.charleston.edu
The College of Charleston this week announced that Aaisha Haykal (pictured), manager of archival services at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, has been honored with the distinguished President's Service Award by the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH). The award was presented at ASALH’s 2024 National Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, on Wednesday, September 25.
The President’s Service Award is given to individuals who exemplify ASALH’s dedication to community service and advocacy for Black history. Haykal’s commitment to ASALH’s mission is evident through her leadership roles within the organization, where she serves as the vice president for programs and chairs both the Woodson House and the Program Planning/Annual Theme committees.
At the College of Charleston, Haykal’s influence extends across campus. In her role as manager of archival services at the Avery Research Center, she oversees the preservation and stewardship of Black history collections found nowhere else in the world. Making these materials and stories accessible in-person and digitally, Haykal’s work connects students, faculty and researchers to the rich tapestry of Black history in Charleston and the Lowcountry.
Haykal also serves as the associate director of the Women's & Gender Studies program—contributing to the College’s interdisciplinary research and educational initiatives—and as a principal investigator of “Liberatory Literacies,” the $2 million, four-year grant project awarded to the Avery Research Center by the Mellon Foundation.
"Avery, ASALH and the Charleston community continue to be transformed by the way that Aaisha serves and leads as a scholar,” says Tamara Butler, executive director of the Avery Research Center. “We are truly grateful to have her here as a colleague and exemplar of servant-leadership."
Haykal’s career has been marked by leadership within the archival and history community, including roles within the Society of American Archivists and past service on the boards of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium in Chicago, IL, and the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. Prior to joining the College of Charleston, Haykal was the university archivist at Chicago State University, where she developed her research interests in Black history, digital preservation, censorship and community archiving.
“It is no surprise that her work has been recognized by ASALH with the President’s Service Award,” says John White ‘99, dean of the College Libraries. “Her work not only preserves our past but also inspires our students, faculty and community members to engage with history in meaningful ways."
