Shaping Tomorrow: Black Autonomy in an Age of Erasure | Black New England Conference 2026

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind gathering of artists, community leaders, and strong voices as we examine how Black voices have fought - and continue to fight - against erasure.

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.

With hosts like Joy-Ann Reid, George "Conscious" Lee, and many others, this conference will be a must-see. Join the conversation and learn how we are all shaping tomorrow.

Note for past attendees: This year's BNEC is located at the SNHU Millyard Building in downtown Manchester - NOT at the main campus.