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About the Conference

At this year’s conference, titled Beyond the Blueprint: Triumph through Practice and Policy, we will explore how prominent figures in the Black community are expanding and elevating the Black narrative to include the various facets of Black identity and better understand how it can be used to influence the creation of policies that lead to better outcomes for our community. The conference will open with keynote address in the John F. Kennedy Forum on Friday, April 13, 2018, with the conference continuing throughout the remainder of the weekend. 

Participants leaving this event will be equipped to engage with communities and facilitate educational dialogue on relevant policy issues, becoming advocates for civic participation. BPC will bring together youth, students, and professionals to participate in panels and workshops designed to mobilize and inspire individuals in the black community. Panel and workshop topics will include education reform, politics, gentrification, innovation in healthcare policy, careers in defense and diplomacy, and algorithmic justice, among others.


WHERE

Harvard Kennedy School
79 John F. Kennedy St
Cambridge, MA 02138


WHEN

Friday, April 13 to
Sunday, April 15, 2018


Conference Schedule

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  • FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018


  • SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018


  • SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018


  • 08:20AM - 09:15AM
    Where
    1st Floor Littauer

  • 09:30AM - 10:45AM
    After Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, enfranchised Black people became Republican Party loyalists. One hundred years later Republicans played a significant role in passing the Civil Rights Act. At the same time Barry Goldwater gained prominence, which led to a major party realignment partly centered around anti-black racism that pushed Black voters to the Democratic Party. Since then Black voters have become a fixture within the Democratic Party, with very few gains in median net worth, unemployment, and poverty. So where do Black voters go? Democrats have been making the case for some time, so now we want to hear from the other side. Join us for a thoughtful conversation with prominent Black Republicans on how to make space for Black people in the Republican Party. We will examine the reasons Black people don’t feel welcome in a party with Donald Trump at the helm.
    Politics
    Where
    L150, Littauer

  • 09:30AM - 10:45AM
    The national security workforce is responsible for protecting us at home and representing American interest aboard. Our defense and diplomacy professionals must reflect the diversity and talent of America. In recent years, we have seen high profile black Americans serving as Secretary of State, Attorney General, and National Security Advisors. These prominent public roles overshadow a dearth of Black junior and mid-career professionals of color in defense, diplomacy, intelligence, and national security law enforcement. Panelists will share stories of their journey to senior roles in Washington, D.C. and foreign nations. Attendees will learn about the robust career and educational opportunities in national security and foreign policy. All Americans are impacted by our national security policy; therefore, the bottom-up policy recommendation process should include the full diversity of thoughts and backgrounds of all Americans
    National Security
    Politics
    Where
    L140, Littauer

  • 13:15PM - 14:30PM
    The Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation is an interactive educational tool that allows participants to learn why communities of color are twice as likely to experience hunger and poverty. The simulation outlines 13 federal policies and their use of racial discrimination in creating the wealth, income and hunger gaps we see today. Each policy card provides the quantitative impact of racial inequity, causing participants to lose or gain a series of money, land, and opportunity lost cards.
    Economics
    Where
    Wexner 330

  • 15:00PM - 16:15PM
    The racial wealth gap matters because of the central role wealth plays in enabling families to both handle current financial challenges and make investments in their future. Families that have accumulated some wealth are better equipped to manage unanticipated expenses like an emergency medical bill, or disruptions in household income such as a layoff, without falling into debt or poverty. On average, Black families accumulate 13x less wealth than that of white peers with less education. This workshop is focused on giving participants some basic tools to begin to understand investing as a way to build wealth. Whether you’re new to stocks and bonds, or whether you’re an investment professional, this workshop will give you some useful tools and tips to help you financially prepare for your future.
    Economics
    Where
    Wexner 436

  • 17:30PM - 18:15PM
    Where
    1st Floor Littauer

Featured Speakers

Closing Performance

BPC 2018 After Party


WHERE

La Fabrica (Central Square)
450 Massachusetts Ave.,
Cambridge, MA 02139


WHEN

Saturday, April 14
Ages 21+


Join us for the BPC 2018 After Party! It is the party of the year, and you do NOT want to miss out! DJ Hypatonez on the 1s and 2s!

Free admission with a BPC 2018 ticket. If you cannot make it to the conference, but you still want to turn up, separate After Party Only tickets are available at the conference ticket website. TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR OF THE PARTY!