The College Language Association (CLA) is a professional association of Black scholars and educators who teach English and foreign languages. Founded in 1937 by a group of African-American language and literature scholars, the organization "serves the academic, scholarly and professional interests of its members and the collegiate communities they represent."

History

Hugh Gloster, a professor of English at LeMoyne College corresponded with Gladstone Lewis Chandler of

Morehouse College , mottoeng = And there was light (literal translation of Latin itself translated from Hebrew: "And light was made") , type = Private historically black men's liberal arts college , academic_affiliations ...

about the low English proficiency rates among their students. Together with other teachers at predominantly Black institutions, they formed the Association of Teachers of English in Negro Colleges in 1937. In 1941, the organization broadened their scope and changed their name to the Association of Teachers of Languages in Negro Colleges (ATLNC). The name was changed again in 1949 to the College Language Association (CLA). The organization's membership has expanded to an international audience focusing on themes of African American, Caribbean and African diaspora studies. Members range from undergraduate students to university faculty. Notable contributors include

John Frederick Matheus John Frederick Matheus (September 10, 1887 – February 19, 1983) was an American writer and a scholar who was active during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. He is well known for his short stories, and he also wrote essays, plays and poetry. H ...

, Therman O'Daniel, Lucy Clemmons Grigsby, A. Russell Brooks, Darwin Turner,

Charles A. Ray Charles Aaron Ray (born July 5, 1945) is an American former diplomat who acted as the U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe between 2009 and 2012. He is a former Foreign Service Officer and career member of the Senior Foreign Service who held the positi ...

and

Nick Aaron Ford Nick Aaron Ford Jr. (August 4, 1904 – July 17, 1982) was an American writer. A native of South Carolina, he was educated at Benedict College and Iowa State University. Ford then joined the faculty of Morgan State University, eventually accepting ...

Publications

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CLA Journal The College Language Association (CLA) is a professional association of Black scholars and educators who teach English and foreign languages. Founded in 1937 by a group of African-American language and literature scholars, the organization "serves ...

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References

External links

* * {{authoritycontrol African-American professional organizations Learned societies of the United States Organizations established in 1937 1937 establishments in the United States Academic organizations