Black New England Conference 2025

19th Annual Black New England Conference:

The State of The Union:

A Critical Perspective on Black America from 1776 to 2026

 
A Virtual/Hybrid Conference

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Conference Keynote Addresses & Special Guest Presentations

#BNEC2025

 

The State of The Union:
A Critical Perspective on Black America from 1776 to 2026

A Virtual/Hybrid Conference

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:

  • Racial Justice and Policing: 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.
  • Economic Disparities: Generational wealth building remains a challenge, affecting access to quality education, healthcare, and financial stability.
  • Education Inequality: 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
  • Political Disenfranchisement: Voter suppression tactics, such as restrictive voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and the purging of voter rolls, disproportionately affect African Americans, limiting their political power. These barriers to voting impede efforts to address other social issues affecting Black communities.
  • Representation in Media and Culture: African Americans have historically been underrepresented or misrepresented in media, which affects societal perceptions and reinforces stereotypes. Ensuring authentic representation is essential for fostering understanding and celebrating the diversity within the African American experience.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that considers African American communities' history, culture, and resilience.

Event Schedule

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Round Table Discussion with social media content creator and moderator

11:30 AM – Noon
Facilitate small group discussions with individual presenters and participants

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch and Citizen Award Presentation

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Keynote Address

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Networking opportunity

CONFERENCE LINKS

Coming Soon!

Additional Information

Please Note: current COVID protocols will be in place for all indoor activities. 

Registration Fees

Registration information to come

Complimentary Tickets & Scholarships 

We want to ensure that this conference is available to all who are interested in attending. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we can offer several complimentary tickets and student scholarships to attendees. Please inquire at info@blackheritagetrailnh.org or call 603-570-8469 for more information.

 

Getting There: Directions to SNHU

2500 N River Rd, Hooksett, NH 03106 • Phone: (800) 668-1249

Get SNHU Campus Map HERE

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

Hotels Nearby

Fairfield Inn & Suites is a short 3 min drive to the campus

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

 

CONFERENCE PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 

 

2025 BLACK NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today.

Contact Info

Mail: 222 Court Street, Portsmouth NH 03801
Phone: 603-570-8469
Email: info@blackheritagetrailnh.org
COVID 19 waiver
Office Hours:
M - F 10 - 4 pm

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