Get your tickets before August 31st for an Early Bird discount!
Manchester, NH — The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) proudly announces the 19th Annual Black New England Conference, set for Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester.
Building on the theme of resilience in the African American community, this year’s conference will bring together a dynamic group of young Black influencers to ask the question that is on our minds: how has the Black experience changed through America’s history? With the nation’s 250th anniversary fast approaching, the conference’s focus falls upon what progress has (or hasn’t) been made in terms of racial justice and economic equity, as well as the current issues that affect African American communities. To get a fresh perspective, BNEC 2025 turns to the young Black creatives who have taken creativity and media skills to create empires fueled by their personality.
The focus on influencers and young speakers is a new direction for BNEC. The conference this year will not only serve to give access to these successful entrepreneurs’ minds, but also to connect conference-goers who would seek to delve into the social media landscape with potential mentors. “This year, our goal is to honestly examine the promises made 250 years ago in our Declaration of Independence,” said JerriAnne Boggis, the Executive Director of BHTNH. “To see how far we have come as a country and how much further we still need to go.”
Keynote Session:
- Lynae Vanee, social media guru, activist, & entrepreneur, will be the star of the keynote fireside chat.
- Shannon LaNier will join her on stage to conduct a live, in-depth interview, offering attendees an engaging and intimate conversation that blends insight with inspiration.
A Discussion with Featured Guests:
- Antonio Saunders (https://collectivespeakers.com/speakers/antonio-saunders/)
- Cheyney McKnight (http://www.notyourmommashistory.com/)
- Ebony JJ Curry (michiganchronicle.com/author/ecurry)
- Ronelle Tshiela (https://lawyeringproject.org/staff-member/ronelle-tshiela/)
- Moderated by Shay Stewart-Bouley (https://blackgirlinmaine.com/)
These distinguished panelists bring a breadth of expertise in activism, media, education, and community leadership, each contributing unique perspectives to the day’s critical conversations.
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 this link. Attendance is $95 ($75 Early Bird, lunch included) 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