join the circle - become a member

The African American Folklorist (AAF) is dedicated to the preservation, celebration, and engagement with African American folklore and cultural traditions. As a member of AAF, you will play an integral role in safeguarding the rich and diverse living archive of African American history—stories, customs, and artistic expressions that have shaped and continue to define our communities.

Join us in preserving the stories, songs, and traditions that are at the heart of the African American experience. Together, we can ensure that these cultural treasures continue to inspire and enrich generations to come.

aaf membership

  • For Those Who Carry the Flame Forward
    Our offering to the next generation of storytellers. Includes:

    • Lifetime access to AAF network

    • Curated merch made for the field

    • Collaborative opportunities within digital + print issues of The African American Folklorist

    • Fieldwork tools, guides, and exclusive workshops

    This emerging folklorist tier is for the seekers, the scribes, and the students of culture—for those stepping into the legacy with open eyes and steady hands, preserving tradition while shaping its future. Register for the Emerging Folklorist Program today!

  • For Those Who Walk with the Ancestors. Our deepest offering. Includes:

    • Lifetime access

    • Premium merch

    • All digital + hard copies of the magazine

    • Archival resources + exclusive workshops

    This honorary tier is for the legacy builders—for those who preserve not only stories, but the souls within them. Nominate an Elder today!

  • Stay Close to the Drumbeat. For those who want to stay connected. You’ll receive our newsletter, updates, and early invites to events, stories, and sounds from the archive. This is where the journey begins. Register today!

  • Your Voice, Your Legacy. Includes exclusive merch, and space for 1–2 contributions a year to our magazine, podcast, or digital articles. Whether you're a poet, writer, griot, or musician—this tier uplifts your voice and your creative offering to the culture. Register today!

  • Grow the Archive, Build the Village. For those investing in the roots. Includes:

    • Sponsor recognition

    • Exclusive merch

    • Community Node access (for bulk orders + workshops)

    • Digital copies of all magazines

    • Mentorship opportunities

    This tier supports collective preservation—sharing tools, knowledge, and storytelling space with others in the village. Register today!

OUR incubator

the MAGAZINE

Each issue features insightful articles on the cultural context and geographical roots of African American heritage, while also examining the evolution of these traditions. AAF highlights the voices of musicians, historians, ethnographers, and community scholars, offering diverse perspectives on the African American experience.

the PODCAST

Each episode dives into the context in which African American traditions, culture, and social environment are shared through oral documentation that reflects community and their different classes throughout history. We highlight today’s practitioners, as we tackle the sensitive topics that relate to the Black Experience from the past to the present.

the archive

By gathering firsthand accounts, research, and artistic expressions, the Archive serves as a dynamic, living collection that preserves the stories, traditions, and cultural practices, documenting our history for future generations. We weave together the layered essence of the Black experience, offering a vibrant reflection of our past and present.

“the biggest lie you were told in your life. of course, they won't tell you where you come from, because where you come from is where you stand.”

— Waltho Wallace Wesley

Let’s work together

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!