College Language Association

Hello, June!

Here are some reads to kick off your summer reading and Month!

Whether you're celebrating, mourning, or navigating a complicated relationship with your mother, we hope you take every opportunity to heed Mama Hurston's exhortation. May you remind yourself to "jump at de sun."

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and we appreciate our who challenge us to think about our pedagogy!

From the CLA Journal archives, check out Adam J. Banks' "Dominant Genre Emeritus: Why It’s Time to Retire the Essay."

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, CLA Scholars!

In 2026, Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, 2026.

According to the historical notes provided in the College Language Association archives housed at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library,

"In 1937, a LeMoyne College professor named Hugh M. Gloster, through correspondence with Gladstone Lewis Chandler, a colleague at Morehouse College, discussed the need for stronger critical thinking and English language education for students at their respective colleges. Gloster therefore engaged other English teachers at predominately private 'Negro' colleges and universities to form an association which would address the problem from its origins to its current state. In 1937, eight men and women met at LeMoyne and formed the Association of Teachers of English in Negro Colleges (ATENC)."

This history reminds us why we celebrate CLA Scholars today. Though the name has evolved from ATENC to the College Language Association, the founding mission—to strengthen critical thinking, language, and literary scholarship—remains alive in your teaching, service, and scholarship.

During this week, we recognize and honor your commitment, your scholarship, your teaching and, above all, the impact you make in shaping minds and advancing languages, literatures, and pedagogies.

Thank you for continuing this legacy.

Did you miss out on getting your merch at the Convention two weeks ago? Or did you see last week's images on Instagram or Facebook and wonder where you can get your CLA jersey or crewneck sweatshirt?

No need to worry about missing out!

You've got until May 3, 2026, to order them, so get 'em while they're hot!

Order here: https://linktr.ee/CLA1937

Not only is it our Founder's Week, but it is also National Library Week!

What better way to wrap up our Founder's Week than with a shout out to the library that houses our archives?

The CLA Archives are housed in Atlanta, GA in the Atlanta University Center's Robert W. Woodruff Library.

We can never celebrate YOU enough. Because of you, we are.

Celebrating 89 years of scholarship and fellowship because YOU make it possible.

We are

Today is our Founder's Day!

Here are six ways you can help us celebrate 89 years of Scholarship and Fellowship!

Looking to complete 1-4? Start here: https://linktr.ee/CLA1937

Happy Founder's Day!

Today, April 23, we are celebrating 89 years of Scholarship and Fellowship!

Founded in 1937, CLA was established to provide a space for Black scholars and educators to share their research, foster community, and amplify Black voices across the Diaspora in languages, literatures, and pedagogies.

What began as a small group of visionaries has grown into a vital 501(c)(3) organization with the same commitment.

Help us celebrate 89 years! You can click the link in our bio to learn more, become a member, and donate!

We look forward to seeing you next year, April 21-24, 2027, for the 85th Annual CLA Convention in Memphis, TN, hosted by Rhodes College and LeMoyne-Owen College as we celebrate 90 years!

Happy Founder's Day to us, the College Language Association!

Did you hear?

A new issue of the CLA Journal is now available! Check out CLAJ 66.1.

Access the full issue via ProjectMuse (through your institution) or your member profile via the CLA website.