Manchester, NH — The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) will honor Shay Stewart-Bouley, activist & creator of Black Girl in Maine, with the Citizen of the Year Award at the 19th Annual Black New England Conference in October.
This year’s conference, themed “The State of the Union: A Critical Perspective on Black America from 1776 to 2026,” focuses on resilience, racial justice, economic equity, and media representation in the lead up to America's 250th anniversary. The event will draw together tomorrow’s leaders—particularly social media creators and young influencers—to examine how the Black experience has evolved and imagine the road ahead.
Shay Stewart-Bouley brings a powerful voice and deep experience to this recognition. Born and raised in Chicago, Shay now serves as Executive Director of Community Change, Inc., a Boston-based civil-rights organization dedicated to anti-racism education, especially among white communities. She is also the founding voice behind Black Girl in Maine, a blog launched in 2008 as a platform to explore identity, race, society, and the immigrant experience, later expanding into a broader media hub for anti-racist storytelling.
Stewart-Bouley’s work has earned regional acclaim—including a New England Press Association Award—and her voice has resonated far beyond Maine through TEDx talks and widespread media features.
At the conference, Stewart-Bouley will also moderate a panel featuring social media creators and culture-shaping voices, including Antonio Saunders, Cheyney McKnight, Ebony JJ Curry, and Ronelle Tshiela.
In response to the award, Stewart-Bouley said: “I'm honored to be receiving this year's citizen of the year award at the annual Black New England Conference. When I got the call, I literally started crying because it meant so much to be seen for my work after so many years.”
BHTNH Executive Director JerriAnne Boggis said: “Through her work, Shay has sparked conversations that challenge, heal, and transform. This award celebrates not only her leadership but also the lasting impact she continues to make.”
About the Citizen of the Year Award
Presented annually by the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, this award recognizes outstanding individuals whose leadership, courage, and commitment to social justice uplift the community and inspire others. 2024’s recipient was Justice Roe Williams.
About the Conference:
Since its inception in 2006, the Black New England Conference has grown into a celebrated annual gathering that bridges academic research and community celebration of Black life and history. The 2025 edition continues this legacy, offering renewed perspectives as we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Registration & Participation:
Register now for in-person or virtual attendance at https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/black-new-england-conference-2025/. Attendance is $95 for in-person, including a luncheon. Virtual attendance is $45. Please inquire about student and Senior discounts.
About BHTNH:
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. We work to visibly honor and share a truer, more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development and tours that can change the way our country understands human dignity when it is free of historical stereotypes. The statewide Black Heritage Trail connects the stories of New Hampshire’s African heritage by documenting and making visible many of the sites that testify to this rich history. For more information please call the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire at (603) 570-8469; or send an email to info@blackheritagetrailnh.org.
Preserve Black History in New Hampshire