The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) was initially conceptualized and developed during the First Annual Ancient Egyptian Studies Conference in Los Angeles, California, on February 26, 1984.
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ASCAC is an independent study group organization founded by scholars Drs. John Henrik Clarke, Asa Grant Hilliard, Jacob H. Carruthers, Yosef Ben-Jochannan (all now ancestors), and Drs. Leonard Jeffries and Maulana Karenga (both living). ASCAC is devoted to the rescue, reconstruction, and restoration of African history and culture.
ASCAC provides the opportunity for "African peoples to educate other African peoples about their culture." ASCAC was founded by scholars with ties to African-American communities in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles and derives its membership from African Americans across class and occupational locations. The organization has since expanded into an international organization, with membership regions representing the continental United States, as well as the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. ASCAC Brick City Study Group, the newest scholars collective, is located in Newark, New Jersey, and founded/directed by Rev. Queen Mother Imakhu. Brick City is Newark's popular nickname.​
ASCAC has four commissions which advance this agenda: education, research, spiritual development, and creative production. Along with creating study groups throughout the world, ASCAC holds an annual conference, operates a youth enrichment program, and is editing a comprehensive history of Africa.
ASCAC provides a body of knowledge that continuously contributes to the rescue, reconstruction, and restoration of African history and culture. Our purpose is to promote the study of African civilizations for the development of an African world view. Our aim is to build African centered study groups and strengthen existing institutions. Our goal is to provide excellence in all dimensions of our association. Our strategy is to use our accumulated knowledge for the liberation of African people wherever they may be. Our commitment is to the truth. Our achievements and accomplishments will provide the resources necessary for ASCAC to grow and be recognized as a world class African organization.
We, the men and women of ASCAC are guided by the following virtues. These virtues describe our organization as we want it to be. We want every decision and action in our association to demonstrate these values. We believe that putting our values into practice creates long-term benefits for ourselves, our children and for generations yet to come.
OUR VIRTUES
We are an AFRICAN PEOPLE
We walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. We treat one another with respect, recognizing the significant contributions that come from diversity of individuals and ideas. We create an environment of cooperation, openness, creative challenge and development.
We encourage and build STUDY GROUPS
We believe in respecting African people, by listening to requests, understanding concerns and providing the intellectual weaponry to define, defend, and develop ourselves.
We regard our INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS as essential ASCAC members
We owe our institutional members the same type of respect that we show to our study groups. Our institutional members deserve fair and equitable treatment, clear agreements and an honest response to their effectiveness. We consider our members needs and requirements in conducting all aspects of our research and study.
We demonstrate INTEGRITY in all we do
We are personally accountable for high standards of behavior, honesty and fairness in all aspects of our work. We strive to fulfill our commitments as conscience Africans, dedicated and devoted workers. We are responsible and reliable, truthful and accurate, decisive and diligent in the effective use of ASCAC and study group resources.
We take responsibility for the DISTINCTION and Quality of our work
We deliver excellence and continue to strive for perfection. We define distinction as intellectual freedom and quality as achieving the best for our people.
We Provide LEADERSHIP as an organization and as individuals
We lead through competence, creativity and collective consciousness. ASCAC’s leadership is founded on progressive scholarship, innovative ideas, and community activism. We are scholars, scientists, artists, students and determined workers. Our mission is to reclaim our history through Research, enlighten our people through Education, inspire our people through Science and Spiritual Development and raise our consciousness through Creative Productions. Our continued success requires developing people and rewarding their achievements therefore we recognize it is the responsibility of all of us to educate and develop ourselves as well as those whom we lead, touch and influence.