The C. Calvin Smith -Wali R. Kharif Book Award is named for the late C. Calvin Smith (1943-2009) and Wali R. Kharif (1950-).  It recognizes the most distinguished scholarly book on African American Studies published in the calendar year preceding the SCAASI Annual Conference.  The book may focus on any of the interdisciplinary subject areas addressed by SCAASI but must relate to African American Studies.  Eligibility is open only to books authored by SCAASI members.   Anthologies, encyclopedias and edited works are not considered.  The award recipient receives a plaque and $300 honorarium.

The 2020 C. Calvin Smith-Wali R. Kharif Book Award recipient is Dr.  Bertis D. English, author of the book, Civil Wars, Civil Beings, and Civil Rights in Alabama’s Black Belt: A History of Perry County, published by the University of Alabama Press (2020).  Dr. English is a Professor of History at Alabama State University located in Montgomery, Alabama.