In 2006 the American Historical Association authorized the establishment of an African History Book Prize to be awarded annually to the best book in African history as selected by a jury of scholars in the field. African history is one of the last major fields in history that lacks the recognition of a prize by the AHA.

The initial campaign met with modest success—we are almost halfway to the $50,000 needed to endow the prize—but we need your support to get us the rest of the way. While this is an unfavorable economic environment for fundraising, these same conditions make a nationally recognized book prize even more crucial to highlight the status and recognition of African history in the troubled academic job market. If we can raise the remaining $32,350 by September 1, we can reach the endowment goal and announce the prize in time to hold the first competition in 2010. It is incumbent upon us, the scholars in the field and our colleagues, to endow this prize. We need your support!

Donate online, or checks can be made out to the American Historical Association, with ‘African Book Prize’ in the memorandum line, and mailed to the American Historical Association, 400 A Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003-3889. All contributions are 100% tax deductible.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.