Building Tomorrow, Today:
Mobilizing for the Future We Envision
21st Annual Black Policy Conference
Held April 10-12, 2026
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA
Behind the Theme: Inspired by John Lewis & Stacey Abrams
This year’s theme, Building Tomorrow Today: Mobilizing for the Future We Envision, is inspired by the visionary leadership of John Lewis and Stacey Abrams, who remind us that the future we dream of is created by the choices we make and the actions we take in the present.
John Lewis taught us that courage and persistence are the cornerstones of progress. He urged us to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble,” showing that meaningful change is built not by waiting, but by boldly standing up for justice, even when the path is difficult. His life exemplifies how every act of advocacy, every step toward equity, and every voice raised today shapes the society we hope to see tomorrow.
Stacey Abrams demonstrates that vision without action cannot transform communities. Through her tireless work in voting rights and civic engagement, she shows that mobilizing and organizing today creates the political, social, and economic structures necessary for a more just and inclusive future. Her leadership reminds us that strategic action is not just about the moment—it is about laying a foundation that empowers generations to come.
By embracing this year’s theme, we affirm that the work of building a better tomorrow begins now. Every effort, every act of advocacy, and every voice raised today brings us closer to the future we collectively envision—a future of justice, opportunity, and empowerment for all.
Celebrating 21 Years of the Black Policy Conference!
This year marks a significant milestone—the 21st anniversary of the Black Policy Conference (BPC)! This year's theme is "Building Tomorrow, Today: Mobilizing for the Future We Envision." For two decades, BPC has provided a space for meaningful dialogue, actionable solutions, and community-driven change. More than just a conference, it has remained a dynamic platform where leaders, advocates, and changemakers come together to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Black communities.
Panels Include:
Land ownership, food security, and environmental sustainability are deeply connected to Black liberation. This panel explores the challenges Black farmers face, from land loss to systemic discrimination, while highlighting the ways they are reclaiming agriculture as a means of economic independence and community empowerment. Panelists will discuss sustainable farming, food justice initiatives, and the fight for policies that support Black growers and producers.
Wealth inequality remains a major barrier to opportunity for Black communities. This discussion will break down the factors that influence economic mobility, including access to capital, entrepreneurship, and workforce equity. Panelists will share strategies for career growth, business development, and financial empowerment, focusing on ways to build lasting economic security in a rapidly changing economy.
Efforts to erase or distort Black history are growing, making it even more important to protect and share these stories. This conversation looks at the role of history in shaping identity, policy, and progress. Experts will explore the fight against historical erasure, the impact of Black studies in education, and how storytelling can be a tool for resistance and empowerment.
Representation matters, but visibility alone is not enough. Black LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face unique challenges in healthcare, housing, workplace rights, and political advocacy. This panel will examine current policies, discuss areas where progress is needed, and highlight the work of leaders pushing for real change. The goal is to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward meaningful action that protects and uplifts the community.
Black communities thrive when they are supported by strong institutions, economic investment, and collective action. This panel will dive into the ways community leaders, grassroots organizations, and policymakers are working to create lasting change. Topics will include mutual aid networks, cooperative economics, and strategies to strengthen Black neighborhoods in the face of systemic challenges.
With affirmative action policies shifting, Black students and educators must navigate new barriers to opportunity. This panel will explore the changing landscape of college admissions, the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the impact of policy decisions on Black learners at all levels. Panelists will also discuss how communities can work to ensure equitable access to quality education despite these changes.
Black writers and artists have long shaped cultural and political thought. This panel will examine the work of James Baldwin, August Wilson, and Octavia Butler, exploring how their stories challenge power structures, redefine identity, and inspire movements. Panelists will discuss how literature and the arts continue to be tools for resistance, healing, and reimagining the future.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, politics, and social structures, but its impact on Black communities remains a growing concern. This panel will explore the risks and opportunities AI presents, from algorithmic bias and surveillance to job displacement and misinformation. Experts will discuss how Black policymakers, technologists, and advocates can shape AI to serve, rather than harm, Black America.
Healthcare disparities continue to harm Black communities, but groundbreaking research and advocacy are pushing for change. This panel will focus on innovations in medicine, public health, and policy aimed at improving outcomes for Black patients. Discussions will include racial bias in healthcare, community-based health solutions, and the role of Black medical professionals in transforming the system.
Beyond One Narrative
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Beyond One Narrative
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Sessions Include:
Let's Continue the Work
The Black Policy Conference isn’t just about what happens during the weekend—it’s about what comes next. The conversations we start here should lead to real action, whether that’s in policy, advocacy, community work, or everyday decisions.
Let’s take what we’ve learned and keep it moving. That might mean staying in touch with speakers and attendees, joining policy initiatives, organizing in your community, or continuing these discussions in your own spaces.
Keep the conversation going by:
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Staying connected with fellow attendees, speakers, and organizers to build lasting partnerships;
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Bringing ideas into action—whether through policy, advocacy, or grassroots initiatives;
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Continuing the dialogue on social media, in your communities, and within your organizations; and
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Investing in your growth by engaging with recommended readings, podcasts, and upcoming discussions.
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Beyond One Narrative
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