The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) is proud to announce the exceptional lineup of lunchtime keynotes and special presenters for the 17th Annual Black New England Conference, themed “I Too Sing: Art, Writing and Music in Our BIPOC Communities.” This two-day event, held in partnership with Northeastern University and the Reckonings Project, promises to be a celebration of the diverse creative voices within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The conference will take place at the Fenway Center in Boston, MA on October 20 and 21, 2023.
Saturday, October 21st: A Conversation with Playwright Kirsten Greenidge
The conference will host a stimulating conversation with playwright Kirsten Greenidge. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Kirsten is a celebrated playwright whose work delves into the intersections of race, class, and gender. She strives to create multidimensional roles for underrepresented actors of color and challenge mainstream audiences with her thought-provoking plays. Kirsten has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Village Voice Obie Award and an Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award.
Saturday, October 21st: Lunchtime Keynote Address by Theo Wilson
Theo Wilson, an accomplished speaker with a deep commitment to social justice, will deliver a compelling keynote address on Saturday. As the Executive Director of Shop Talk Live, Inc., Wilson utilizes barbershops as spaces for community dialogue and healing. He gained international recognition through his TED Talk, “A Black Man Goes Undercover in the Alt-Right,” which has garnered over 17 million views online. Wilson’s engaging and impactful speaking style has been featured on major platforms, including The History Channel and Good Morning America.
Friday, October 20th: Storytelling Presentation & Dialogue by Silvermoon LaRose
Silvermoon Mars LaRose, a member of the Narragansett Tribe and Assistant Director of the Tomaquag Museum, will kick off the conference with a captivating storytelling presentation and dialogue. With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous communities, Silvermoon’s dedication to Indigenous empowerment, education, and cultural preservation shines through her work. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the event.
Friday, October 20th, 12:10 PM: Lunchtime Keynote Address by McKinley Wallace III
Mixed-media painter and art educator McKinley Wallace III will deliver a powerful keynote address during the conference’s lunch hour. Wallace’s art beautifully captures stories of power and resilience within marginalized communities, exploring race, history, and intersectionality. His work challenges exclusionary ideals and legacies, aiming to elevate and celebrate Black joy. Attendees can expect an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation.
The 17th Annual Black New England Conference is a unique opportunity to engage with these distinguished presenters and delve into the rich artistic, literary, and cultural contributions of BIPOC communities. We invite all interested individuals to join us at the Fenway Center in Boston, MA on October 20 and 21, 2023 for this enriching event.
Saturday, October 21st, 3 PM: Closing Event Performance: Adrienne Mack – Davis
Don’t miss the exhilarating closing event performance by the incredibly talented Adrienne Mack-Davis at 3 PM on Saturday, October 21st. Adrienne is a classically trained soul/hip-hop artist whose music is a captivating fusion of raw emotions, powerful melodies, and profound, uplifting lyrics. Her soulful sound reflects her own life’s journey, encapsulating both the challenges and triumphs she’s experienced. Through her music, Adrienne aims to inspire and empower each individual to be the catalyst for change in their own lives. Her performance promises to be a soul-stirring and transformative experience, bringing the 17th Black New England Conference to a memorable close.
Date: October 20-21, 2023
Location: Fenway Center, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
For conference registration and further information, please visit https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/black-new-england-conference-2023/
