AFS Thanks Past Board Member Langston Collin Wilkins As He Serves the Remainder of Jerrilyn McGregory’s Board Term

The AFS Executive Board unanimously voted to elect Langston Collin Wilkins to serve the remainder of Jerrilyn McGregory’s term, who passed away on August 3, 2025. Wilkins, who served on the board from 2021–23, was elected unanimously in late September in time for his full participation as a voting member during the October Executive Board meeting in Atlanta. Wilkins agreed to serve out the remainder of McGregory’s term ending in 2025, following the succession guidelines outlined in the AFS Bylaws to fill a position of a member who has passed away during their term. Wilkins’s recent board experience, faculty position in an academic program, and focus on African American folklife made him a strong and logical selection to serve the remainder of McGregory’s term.

The AFS Bylaws states that, in the event of a vacancy of an Executive Board member, the following succession guidelines should be followed:

(d) Executive Board Member: In the event of a permanent vacancy:
1. The President, in consultation with the Executive Board, shall nominate an individual in good standing from the general membership.
2. The Executive Board shall vote to elect the Member.
3. Immediately upon the Executive Board’s election, the Member shall become a Board Member-at-Large.

The AFS Executive Board wishes to thank Langston for his return to service in this important role.