The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations was established at the First Annual Ancient Egyptian Studies Conference in Los Angeles, in February 1984.  The founding members were Jacob H. Carruthers, Maulana Karenga, Leonard Jeffries, Asa G. Hilliard III, John Henrik Clarke, Yosef ben Jochanan, Anderson Thompson and Nzinga Ratibisha Heru our current president.  The goal of ASCAC is to bring together scholars, thinkers, planners, artists, students, scientists, technicians to promote and restore our ancient African heritage through research, education, creative productions, and spiritual development. ASCAC, through its annual regional and national conferences, publications, and international educational tours promotes a Pan African discussion of world history, historical identity, purpose, and direction.

ASCAC is for African People Worldwide

   Akoben Youth Institute

The first ASCAC Akoben Youth Institute Symposium was held during the Mid– Atlantic Regional conference in December of 2002.  Over 200 youth answered the call to action to participate in our first program. Since then the Akoben Youth Institute has become a spring board and showcase for our young scholars to present their research studies and talents in the four commissions of ASCAC; Research, Education, Creative Productions and Health/Spiritually.

The ASCAC Akoben Youth Institute is a CALL TO ACTION that must be answered if our African Youth are to be supported when taking their first steps towards self discovery, awareness and determination.  The ASCAC Akoben Youth Institute addresses the need for our African youth to learn more about their collective heritage, legacy, national stories (history), achievements, and the significant contributions of Africans throughout the timeline of the world. The ASCAC Akoben Youth Institute provides an innovative multi-phased program, which will enable African youth in the Diaspora to creatively demonstrate their knowledge of the great hardships we have overcome, the great strides we have made and the great accomplishments we have achieved as a race.

The ASCAC Akoben Youth Institute Objectives

• To nurture the learning process of African Youth for their future by acquiring a greater knowledge of their past
• To initiate an exciting multi-disciplinary learning program
• To involve research through the question/ answer method, varied educational materials and study guide
• To insure a solid base of information African history through the Diaspora history the self-esteem within each youth member
• To encourage the intergenerational transmission of knowledge by the encouragement of active mentoring and parent involvement 
• To encourage the development of basic research skill need in higher learning environments
• To create a forum in which youth display their talents and knowledge as it pertains to the African Diaspora