Black New England Conference 2023

I, Too, Sing:
Art, Music, and Writing in Our BIPOC Communities

A Virtual/Hybrid Conference

For centuries, art has not only served as a tool for Black communities, Indigenous populations, and People of Color to share their stories, but it has also shaped the evolution of American culture. However, in this society where BIPOC voices are rendered invisible or mostly silenced, the immense contributions of BIPOC artists are yet to be fully recognized or acknowledged as an essential part of the American culture.

The presence of People of Color in the arts—both artists and audiences— shatters the notion that the white perspective is the standard of quality in art, music, and writing. BIPOC artists amplify the stories and narratives from their respective communities while building bridges of understanding toward a vision of unity. BIPOC artists make a difference. They advocate by drawing attention to injustice, working towards equity and inclusion, and reclaiming the richness of their culture.

The 17th annual Black New England Conference focuses on how BIPOC artists use art, music, and writing to empower themselves and others. These artists’ self-expression raises awareness of social and political issues to create a vision and space for change. Exploring the concept of how BIPOC artists signify on each other, the conference will work to understand the complex ways that these creators talk about their own communities and talk with other communities of color, whether to learn from, build on or create anew.

I, Too, Sing: Art, Music, and Writing will also celebrate the success stories of the artists, scholars, individuals, and institutions that serve as beacons of hope for future generations.

The Black New England Conference is an annual two-day gathering where scholars, artists, activists, and community members share insights and research on Black experiences, past and present, in New England and beyond. The Conference is both an academic conference and a celebration of Black life and history.