The American Negro Academy (ANA) was an organization founded in 1897 by scholar and activist Alexander Crummell. It was one of the earliest organizations established to promote Black intellectualism and advance the recognition of African Americans in academia. The goal of the ANA was to provide a forum for Black scholars, writers, and activists to discuss issues related to race, history, and culture.

The ANA played a significant role in fostering the development of Black thought and scholarship during a time when African Americans faced widespread discrimination and limited opportunities for education and advancement. Members of the ANA included prominent figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Carter G. Woodson, and William Monroe Trotter, who were instrumental in shaping the intellectual landscape of the early 20th century and advocating for racial equality.

Despite facing financial difficulties and internal disputes, the ANA made important contributions to the advancement of Black intellectual life and served as a catalyst for the establishment of other organizations dedicated to promoting Black scholarship and activism. It was a pioneering institution that paved the way for future generations of Black intellectuals to engage in critical discourse and challenge prevailing racist narratives.