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Mission
The AAhAs mission is to continue the memory of legendary comedians by focusing their efforts on the following aspirations. As a philanthropic organization, the AAhAs will use proceeds from its proposed events to further the mission as defined below:
To honor some of the early pioneers for their many achievements in the field of entertainment, particularly those who have paved the way for Black and other minority artists in the comedy arena.
To purchase a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for well-deserved and long-overlooked legendary comedians, such as Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, and Redd Foxx.
To donate a portion of the proceeds to an organization geared towards eliminating violence against all minority communities.
To provide some financial help for the well being of older comedians who have fallen on hard times.
The ultimate goal is to have a museum that will house artifacts, documents and other memorabilia from various eras dating back to Bert Williams (circa 1914) up to today’s comedians. Many of these items will include historical standup on film, also commemorative pieces from comedic movies and stage plays, and lectures by different comedians throughout the years. This museum will feature the political influence championed by these performers toward the changing of American culture through laughter. The slogan of the AAhAs is: “LAUGHTER HAS NO COLOR, SO SMILE.”
History
The African-American Humor Awards Society was founded by Sir Frank Cooper in 1989 for the purpose of paying tribute and recognition to black entertainers who are pioneers in the comedic field. Especially those whose talents and contributions to the entertainment industry were blatantly ignored. Further, non-minority performers have mimicked the Black style and material to their own advancement without giving credit where credit is due.
Over the past 29 years, the AAhAs have produced events for the purpose of recognizing legendary Black comedians.