African American Community Archives Theory (AACAT-1870) is an independent university-level, seminar-style cohort course designed to introduce participants to the principles, practices, and purposes of African American community archives through a rigorous theoretical lens. Structured as a self-paced learning experience within a guided cohort model, the course supports both independent study and collective intellectual exchange.

 Developed for faculty, community educators, cultural workers, archivists, and information professionals, AACAT-1870 bridges historical knowledge and archival praxis by examining how African American community stories are preserved, described, interpreted, and activated across academic, cultural, and public spaces. The course is informed by and aligned with American Library Association (ALA) and Society of American Archivists (SAA) professional standards, ethical principles, and best practices in archival education and community engagement.

 Participants engage with core concepts in African American cultural memory, community storytelling, participatory archiving, and community-centered description, with attention to professional competencies outlined by ALA and SAA, including ethics, access, stewardship, and culturally responsive archival practice. Through real-world case studies, curated readings, recorded lectures, and interactive digital assignments, the course centers Black archival traditions while emphasizing collaborative and accountable relationships between communities and institutions.

 Special attention is given to issues of representation, authorship, power, and the political role of archives, situating African American community archives within broader professional, academic, and public discourse. Course materials draw from Black-led archival initiatives, community-based repositories, and scholarly literature that reflects both professional archival standards and lived community knowledge.

 The course is organized around short readings, instructional lectures, and hands-on digital activities, utilizing archival case studies and educational resources aligned with ALA Core Competencies of Librarianship and SAA’s Guidelines for a Graduate Program in Archival Studies, while remaining accessible to learners from diverse professional and educational backgrounds.

AACAT-1870 takes place from March 28 to June 27, 2026. The program offers a structured yet flexible schedule, enabling participants to progress through the course materials at their own pace. At the same time, participants will enjoy a shared cohort experience that fosters peer learning, reflection, and professional development.

The course ( AACAT-1860) is aligned with recognized professional standards set forth by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the American Library Association (ALA). Students who complete this course develop skills in:

• Archival preservation and description

• Digital archives management

• Community-centered archival engagement

• Cultural competency in librarianship and archives

• Ethical and equitable information services

The course number AACAT-1870 honors the year 1870, when African Americans were first fully recorded by name in the United States Census following emancipation. This moment marked a foundational shift—recognizing Black individuals and families as full members of society—and serves as a symbolic starting point for exploring African American community archives and memory work.

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1870 Census Records)