Mary Frances Early receives Luminary Award from ASALH

Mary Frances Early recently received the 2025 Luminary Award from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) at the association’s 110th annual conference in Atlanta.

Established in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, ASALH founded Black History Month and carries forth the work of its founder, the “Father of Black History.”

The Luminary Award recognizes honorees who have made outstanding contributions to African American history and culture, with a focus on the local community where the annual ASALH meeting is being held.

“I have long admired Carter G. Woodson for his brilliance in scholarship and his forward vision,” said Early, who received the award on Saturday, Sept. 27. “This award makes me both humble and proud. Woodson had the wisdom to ensure that laudable accomplishments by African Americans will be recognized with his literary works, his research, and with his institution of Black History Week and Month.”

“This important history is part of America’s history,” she added. “Because I am part of the University of Georgia’s history, Woodson has ensured that UGA’s story will not be forgotten.”

In February 2020, UGA’s College of Education was named in Early’s honor after she played an integral role in the campaign for racial equality at UGA and across the South.

Early made history when she became the first African American to graduate from UGA with a master’s degree in music education. She later became a music teacher in Atlanta Public Schools where she continued to challenge injustice and expand access to music for all students before being promoted to music director of the school system.

After 37 years in public education, Early retired in 1994 and later taught at Morehouse College and Spelman College as an adjunct professor and served as head of the music department at Clark Atlanta University.

On January 23, 2025, Georgia’s U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock—who also received the association’s Luminary Award this year—read Ms. Early’s accomplishments and the impact of her work at UGA and beyond into the Congressional Record.

Her impact as a civil rights icon and music educator continues to inspire and influence generations of students, schools, and Black communities across the nation.