The Society promotes the studying, teaching, researching, performing, and ultimately, the safeguarding of the rich narrative of the African American past that Wilson bequeathed to the world in the 10 plays that chronicle the stories of African Americans from 1904 to 1997. The plays, known as the American Century Cycle, are performed yearly in theatres across the country.

The Society was founded by Dr. Sandra G. Shannon within the Howard University College of Arts and Sciences a few months after Wilson died at age 60 in 2005. The Society also has garnered the trust and cooperation of key stakeholders at the August Wilson Estate, the August Wilson House, and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, both in Pittsburgh.

But perhaps the organization’s greatest achievements since its inception have been the multiple programs it continues to offer to introduce August Wilson to a new generation of learners and to oblige others who seek more intense engagement with his works. That includes a biennial colloquium, an annual lecture series and film discussions. 

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