13th Annual Black New England Conference:
BLACK INK: African American News from Slave Songs to Social Media,
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester NH
October 25-26, 2019
Online Registration Closed
Please call 603-570-8469 for late registration.
#BNEC2019
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”
Conference Keynote Address by: April Ryan
The 13th Black New England Conference (BNEC) will explore the critical role of the Black Press as purveyors of news and information and as agents of social change from its earliest traditional forms to present day online platforms.
From enslaved Africans improvising songs to warn of slave patrols or to announce secret religious meetings, to the ways Black Twitter both circulates stories that impact Black communities and critique racially biased narratives, “Black News” has been integral to black liberation.
Black newspapers and magazines have been vehicles for Black self-representation and political advancement. John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish wrote in the first issue of their paper Freedom’s Journal in 1827, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us,” describing the function of the Black press in a way that still resonates in the 21st century.
Through oral communication, print, websites, and social media, “Black News” has and will continue to shape African Americans understandings of themselves.
The 2019 Conference will explore the varied ways African Americans have produced and spread news. The roles African American have played in the mainstream media, covering politics, sports, money and social issues, alongside the role Black publications like Ebony and Jet played in shaping aspirations will be examined. The future of “Black News,” how it might reimagine what it means to be black in America will also be examined.
The BNEC is an opportunity for open dialogue on achievements, opportunities and exclusions of African Americans throughout history.
The Black New England Conference, now in its 13th year, is an annual 2-day gathering where academics, 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.
CONFERENCE PANELS INCLUDE
- Black Folks Spreading the News: From Enslavement into the 20th Century
- Film Discussion: Soldiers without Swords & Interception
- Doin’ It for Ourselves: Crafting Alternative Media Platforms
- Flippin’ the Script: A Counter Narrative of Black Representation
- The Black Press Responds
- Alternative News
- Keynote Address Featuring April Ryan
- Lunchtime Address Featuring Rajnii Eddins
Online Registration Closed
Please call 603-570-8469 for late registration.
The BNEC awards a limited amount of student scholarships for the conference. Please email
info@box2307.temp.domains for more information.
Fashion Show: HOT OFF THE PRESS!
HOT OFF THE PRESS is a couture runway show that explores the portrayal of African American in the press, with a glimpse into the future when Blacks portray themselves. Through the lens of high fashion, this show will communicate a Black aesthetic as told through words and self-expression from the eye of the journalist.
HOT OFF THE PRESS marks the second collaboration between the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire and HOUSE OF TESTAMENT. Creatively directed and produced by Terry Robinson, he hopes to transport you to his vision and deliver an event that is not only provocative but thought-provoking as well. With the artistic support of Portland based designer Jordan Carey and beauty visionary Kettia Fenestor, this is sure to be the cultural event of the season.
Getting there: Directions to SNHU
2500 N River Rd, Hooksett, NH 03106 • Phone: (800) 668-1249
- Parking is at Lot 1
- Conference is at building N Dining Center and Banquet Facilities
- Fashion Show at Gustafson Center
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 Manchester Downtown 101 South Commercial Street, Manchester, NH ,03101 11 min – 4.3 miles 603-669-2222
Past Conferences
2018 BNEC, EXPRESS YOURSELF: Identity, Style & Adornment
2017 BNEC, THE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING OF RACE: Living Through the Archives
More past conferences
Thank you to our sponsors
