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College
Language Association Collection
1925-1990
25 linear feet
NOTE: A paper copy
of the finding aid,
with container list,
is available at the
Atlanta University
Center Archives for
in-house consultation
and may be obtained
for a fee.
The College Language Association (CLA)
is one of the largest, long-standing African
American
academic organizations in the U.S. Focusing on
the disciplines of English, literature and foreign
languages, the CLA offers an outlet for scholarly
discourse, publication and planning for its fields
of study. CLA is the successor to the Association
of English Teachers in Negro Colleges that was
founded at a meeting of eight college English
teachers who met at LeMoyne College, Memphis,
Tennessee in 1937. The Association was an idea
that evolved from correspondence between professors
Hugh M. Gloster of LeMoyne College and Gladstone
Lewis Chandler of Morehouse College. In 1941
the Association broadened its scope to include
the teaching of literature and foreign languages,
changing its name to the Association of Teachers
of Languages in Negro Colleges. In 1949 the name
was changed to the College Language Association.
As stated in its constitution, the CLA's objective
is to improve the study and teaching of language
skills, cultivate the appreciation of language
and literature, share work of interest to the
group and encourage scholarly research in the
teaching of Black literature and culture as necessary
aspects of higher education. The CLA holds an
annual convention and encourages research and
writing through literary contests and awards.
In 1957 the CLA Journal was launched to "provide
another medium of scholarly expression" for
its members and others of similar scholarly interests.
Articles include literary history, criticism,
bibliographies, book reviews, studies in the
humanities, and the teaching of language and
literature. CLA member, Carolyn Fowler, authored
The College Language Association: A Social History
chronicling the history of CLA up to 1979. The College Language Association Collection consists
of the administrative files of the organization and
its officers. Included are correspondence, minutes,
programs, financial papers, speeches, photographs,
newsletters, and committee reports. Among the association
leadership whose files are in the collection are
Hugh M. Gloster, Lucy Grigsby, Dolan Hubbard, Richard
Long, John F. Matheus, Therman O'Daniel, Eleanor
Tignor and Darwin T. Turner.
More information about the current
activity of the College Language Association
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