The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, Inc.

(Founded in 1935  as the Association of Social Science Teachers)

An Overview of the Organization

The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists (ASBS), originally the Association of Social Science Teachers in Colleges for Negroes and later the Association of Social Science Teachers, was formed to provide African-American scholars with opportunities to engage in the exchange of ideas, information, thought, and theory.  Since the inception of ASBS, the nation and the world have undergone tremendous changes and alterations with respect to the recognition of African-American scholars. The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists, however, remains at the forefront of creative thought in the social and behavioral sciences.

ASBS was founded in 1935 by the late Dr. Theophilus E. McKinney, Dean of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He was successful in bringing together African-American social scientists who were actively teaching and utilizing social scientific knowledge as they worked in the academy.  Some of the individuals attending the first meeting included such distinguished scholars as Ralph Bunche (political scientist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient), W. E. B. DuBois (historian by academic training, sociologist by his research), Benjamin Quarles (historian), and Charles Wesley (historian, architect, and builder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History). These scholars were concerned with improving the status of African-Americans in their communities and the nation.

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The Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists sponsors an annual spring conference.  It allows participants to share research findings, curriculum revisions, and other concerns. During the conference, three major awards are presented. The W. E. B. DuBois Award honors an outstanding social or behavioral scientist or civic leader who has made a significant contribution to the greater knowledge and understanding of African-Americans.  The Theophilus E. McKinney Award for Undergraduate Research is presented to outstanding student researchers who receive prizes as first, second, and third place winners.  In March of 2003, the third annual recognition, the Marguerite Rogers-Howie Distinguished Service Award, was added.  The award is presented to an outstanding ASBS member who has demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to the Organization.

The Association sponsors one major publication: The Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences. A newsletter is also published periodically. As a scholarly organization, ASBS continues to provide a forum for the exploration of pertinent issues related to minority communities in America.

For the complete history of ASBS, visit Archives.