Black New England Conference 2025

2026 Call for Papers

For Black America, the pursuit of autonomy takes on particular urgency in the face of ongoing efforts at erasure. This erasure manifests in many ways: the distortion or omission of Black history in classrooms, misrepresentation in media, and the silencing or marginalization of Black voices in our nation’s most influential spaces.

Against this backdrop, autonomy becomes both a necessity and a declaration. It encompasses the struggle for self-determination, control over narratives, economic independence, political representation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The 20th Annual Black New England Conference will bring together scholars, activists, artists, and community leaders to examine how Black communities have historically fought for autonomy—and how they are shaping tomorrow in the face of systemic erasure.

We invite proposals for papers, panels, and presentations that address one or more of the following themes:

• Self-Definition, Cultural Preservation, and Cultural Affirmation
• Economic Empowerment
• Building Community & Black Institutions
• Resistance and Self-Defense
• Political Engagement & Representation

We welcome work that provides historical context, highlights contemporary struggles, or envisions future pathways toward autonomy and liberation. Submissions may take the form of scholarly papers, creative works, case studies, or community-based practices that address the conference theme.

Building on the theme of resilience within the African American community, this year’s Black New England Conference will bring together a vibrant group of young content creators for a critical discussion on the progress, or lack thereof, on the path towards social and cultural advancement in the United States.

As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this gathering will examine the current issues impacting African Americans, from racial justice and economic equity to representation in media and political disenfranchisement. These social media influencers, who have a powerful impact on public perception and community mobilization, will share their perspectives on how far African Americans have come, the challenges that remain, and the paths forward in areas such as education, economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment.

Attendees will explore how social media can be leveraged for activism, awareness, and change, with an emphasis on fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking dialogue. The State of the Union aims to inspire a new generation of leaders to shape the narrative and drive change as we look toward 2026 and beyond.

Participants at the conference will dialogue around some of the most pressing social challenges, which may include:

Economic Growth & Entrepreneurship: Generational wealth building remains a challenge, affecting access to quality education, healthcare, and financial stability.

Educational Opportunities: Schools in predominantly African American neighborhoods often receive less funding, resulting in fewer resources, larger class sizes, and less access to advanced courses. This underfunding contributes to disparities in educational outcomes,  affecting college attendance rates and job opportunities for African American youth.

Racial Justice and Criminal Reform: Systemic racial profiling, harsher sentencing, and over policing in predominantly Black neighborhoods contribute to a cycle of criminalization and mistrust between Black communities and law enforcement.

Getting There

Directions to SNHU

2500 N River Rd
Hooksett, NH 03106
800-668-1249

Parking is at Lot 1
Conference is at building L Dining Center and Banquet Facilities

Campus Map

Where to Stay

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Hooksett NH
8 Bell Ave, Hooksett, NH 03106 (3 minutes, 1.5 miles)
603-606-5485 or kmarquis@girihotels.com

DoubleTree by Hilton, Downtown Manchester, NH
700 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101
844-267-1715 (11 minutes, 4 miles)

Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Manchester
101 South Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101
603-669-2222 (11 minutes, 4.3 miles)