ALA Latest News & Updates

Members of the ALA share these words in joining the world's literary and academic communities to mourn the death of Professor Chinua Achebe. A memorial service was held for him at this year's conference.

Executive letters are now available in the documents section, including letters exchanged between the ALA and Barack Obama, as well as a more recent exchange with Sweden's Minister of Culture, Lena Adelsohn Liljero.

The time has come to recognize highly deserving ALA members for the following awards: the Fonlon-Nichols Award, the ALA Graduate Student Best Essay Award, and the ALA Distinguished Membership Award. For more information, please read the nominations and submissions guidelines (pdf). Nominations for all three must be received by December 30, 2012.

The editor of JALA invites submission of essays, reviews, and review-essays that reflect the range of primary materials, critical methodologies, and the many contending and complementary movements in African and African diaspora literatures and cultures. Deadlines for submissions are February 1 for the spring/summer issue and June 1 for the fall/winter issue. For more information, please read the JALA Submission Guidelines (pdf).

The ALA stands with the people of Haiti and extends heartfelt sympathy over the massive earthquake that has hit the country with such tragic devastation and caused incredible loss of lives. Hope will never die among the living even as we mourn the lives lost. May the people of Haiti transcend the current, natural sense of grief and overwhelming hopelessness, and emerge more capable and resolute to put the pieces of their lives together and rebuild their country for a greater future.

We encourage our members to please donate generously to legitimate relief bodies and organizations accepting relief funds for Haiti and the victims of the earthquake (see list below). No amount is too little; every dollar counts. An official letter will go out presently to the Haitian authorities.

Websites for some relief funds organizations:

• Clinton Bush Haiti Fund - The Obama administration initiative.
• American Red Cross - Or text word "HAITI" to 90999 for a $10 donation which will be added to your cell phone bill.
• Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - Or call toll-free phone number 1-888-392-0392.
• CARE - In addition to delivering emergency health services, this group distributes food, hygiene kits and water to those in need. In order to make a donation, go to their website.
• Oxfam International & Oxfam America - Click on the "Haiti Earthquake Response Fund".