The 2020 conference has been canceled
due to university policy regarding
large events in the wake of the Coronavirus.
From the Tweets to the Streets to the Seats:
Translating Activism into Political Power in 2020 and Beyond
Steven Reed
Annie Jean-Baptiste
Derrick Johnson
Cornell Brooks
Tiffany Cross
Bakari Sellers
The 16th Annual Black Policy Conference explores and affirms the influence of Black activism, media activity, and civic engagement in the political landscape of 2020 and onward. More specifically, the title references the commitment to transform the Black community’s social media presence (“the Tweets”) and protest movements (“the Streets”) into political action and representation in government (“the Seats”).
It is a conference about action and one that recognizes the enormous potential power of the Black collective. However, it is also a conference about thoughtful introspection of where and how Black people can best assert their diverse and complex aspirations, interests, and issues in the broader political agenda of the spaces we occupy.
The conference’s panels will discuss consequential challenges—such as climate change, gender and education, healthcare access, and criminal justice policy—and include ways that everyday people can get involved. It will also celebrate the rich creativity and diversity of the African diaspora, examining Black art, music, and cultural contributions, and exploring how to promote more unity and tolerance in the Black community. In closing, it will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, a celebration and affirmation of Black political agency, and a forum for networking and connecting with other likeminded and passionate Black students, activists, and professionals.
Our Mission
The Black Policy Conference is the leading policy driven forum to address the issues affecting Black communities. The conference provides an opportunity for the convergence of the world’ s greatest minds and practitioners with the hope and intent of finding sustainable solutions for issues facing Black communities.
We aim to:
- Enrich the dialogue at Harvard University and beyond surrounding Black issues
- Build a sustainable network among current students, alumni, faculty, and policy practitioners
- Create innovative ideas and share best practices addressing policy issues that affect Africa and the African Diaspora
- Inspire individuals to be engaged in the policy-making process
