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African Scientific Research Institute

Forever indebted to those that paid the supreme price of slavery in the land of the free

ASRI CORE COMPETENCIES

ASRI is a not-for-profit organization committed to tracing the historical footsteps of African-Americans, both free and enslaved, who lived in America during the 17th-19th centuries. Our devotion is to be forever indebted to those that paid the supreme price of slavery in the land of the free.

Research

llinois Forgotten Black Pioneers: Rediscovered in “In Search of DeSable”:

Jean Baptiste Point de Sable (c. 1740-1818) was the founder of modern Chicago

Overall, “The Search for De Sable” project includes three facets.

  1. ASRI conducted an exhaustive historical study of the written records to clarify De Sable’s historical importance as well as the overall cultural interaction between Africans, Europeans, and Native Americans throughout the Midwest.
  2. ASRI continues the search for De Sable’s physical remains in order to glean clues as to his quality of life and physical appearance.
  3. ASRI and affiliated groups are working to develop an educational curriculum for k-12 children.

If Point De Sable’s remains are found several evaluations and events will take place

  1. Facial Reconstruction – A Bioengineering Approach
  2. .Background – DNA Linkage to the Past
  3. African American Osteological Research Database

Negotiation for ASRI research has commenced for inclusion in the PBS documentary “From DeSable to Obama”.

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

The African Scientific Research Institute (ASRI), working in collaboration with the Hayti Cultural Community Learning Center (HCCLC) needs your support to establish educational and training opportunities for fifth through eighth grade students enrolled in the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Archaeological Field Research Initiative. This program will provide unique learning experiences for underprivileged youth that currently reside in an immensely disadvantaged socioeconomic populace.

The curriculum will encompass workshops, field trips, and hands-on training in ecological and archeological research within an interdisciplinary approach combining science, literacy and math. Additionally, the exploration of this site is essential for the cultural revitalization of African American history because it contains the evidentiary footprint left behind by the largest concentration of first-generation African Ancestral Progeny.

Your funds will enable ASRI to provide the necessary resources, materials, equipment, supplies, and personnel to ensure the success of this project.

COMMUNITY BUILDING & REVITALIZATION

A Bold human service reform initiative.

To Revitalize poverty-stricken African progeny communities.

By providing opportunities for the neediest citizens of historically 6th RGCC underrepresented groups of color.

A major hallmark of this priority initiative is partnerships.

  • National Trust Preservation Fund
  • African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund
  • Institute on Policy and Civic Engagement
  • State Universities
  • Other state agencies
  • Private sector
  • African American Cultural Heritage Action Fundusiness
  • Local residents
  • Multi-Level elected officials
  • Faith-based organizations

Going beyond the traditional focus on social services, ASRI / 6th RGCC is committed to a more comprehensive agenda that includes building strong infrastructures, achieving economic turnaround, and creating a foundation for future growth.

CULTURAL (ROOTS) TOURISIM & TRAVEL

Central Thrust – Cultural Heritage Development and Tourism (CHDT)

1. Approach / Community and Economic Development.

2. Result / Meshes cultural heritage to community controlled development.

3. Links past and future production of cultural heritage to economic (enterprise) development with a focus on community engagement

The curriculum will encompass workshops, field trips, and hands-on training in ecological and archeological research within an interdisciplinary approach combining science, literacy and math. Additionally, the exploration of this site is essential for the cultural revitalization of African American history because it contains the evidentiary footprint left behind by the largest concentration of first-generation African Ancestral Progeny.

Your funds will enable ASRI to provide the necessary resources, materials, equipment, supplies, and personnel to ensure the success of this project.

About Us

In 1999, a group of scientists and educators, led by forensic anthropologist Jihad Muhammad, decided it was time to confront a serious issue within the African American community: Many African Americans do not know or understand their connection to the slavery experience and, lacking this connection, cannot verify their ancestral history.

Dr. Jihad Muhammud

Dr. Jihad Muhammad

ASRI President/CEO

VILBERT WHITE, Ph.D.,

Dr. Vilbert White

ASRI Vice President,
PUBLIC HISTORIAN, RESEARCHER

Dr. Michael L. Blakey

Michael L. Blakey

ASRI Director, NEH Professor of Anthropology,
Professor of American Studies

Dr. Carol Adams

Carol L. Adams, PhD,

ASRI Board of Advisory 

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