Known for 1990s house singles like “Show Me Love,” Robin S. is the keynote speaker at the awards dinner of the Black New England Conference (BNEC). Held at Northeastern University’s Fenway Center on October 20, the dinner includes a presentation of the Black Heritage Trail New Hampshire (BHTNH)’s Citizen of the Year award to Napoleon Jones-Henderson for his achievements championing Black Art nationally and globally.
The conference theme, “I, Too, Sing: Art, Music, and Writing in BIPOC Communities,” celebrates the vibrant and transformative power of creativity – within, between, and among communities of color. The conference is an annual event where scholars, artists, and activists share insights and research on Black experiences, past and present, in New England and beyond.
The career of legendary house diva Robin S. spans decades. Last year when Beyonce’s Renaissance album sampled “Show Me Love,” Oprah’s Daily declared that single “one of the most definitive house tracks of all time.”
“Robin S. has entertained millions while serving as a rallying cry for positive change, transcending boundaries, and resonating with audiences of all backgrounds,” said JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of BHTNH. “Her contributions to the world of music and her unwavering commitment to empowering BIPOC communities make her the perfect choice to inspire our conference attendees as we explore the transformative power of art, music, and writing.”
A lifelong artist-activist, Jones Henderson is currently Executive Director of the Research Institute of African and African Diaspora Arts, Inc. In Roxbury, Massachusetts. He is one of the longest continually active members of AfriCOBRA , a significant force within the Black Arts Movement in the sixties and seventies. A recipient of numerous awards and honors, his art is in museums, distinguished private collections, and numerous public art commissions.
This year, Northeastern University and Reckonings, a local history platform, partnered with BHTNH to offer the conference. Major sponsors include Keene State College, TD Bank, Northeast Delta Dental, Eversource, The Hartford Foundation, and Brown University.
Besides panels as diverse as folklore from past millennia and the global ricochet of hip-hop today, there are two pre-conference tours on Thursday, October 19. One tour visits a master artists’ studio and the other visits little-known sites of significance to Boston’s jazz history.
Find out more information about the conference, registration, panelists, and event schedule here.
