Intergenerational Conversations

Join us for the 5th Annual Black Conference, a dynamic gathering of students, alumni, and community members committed to reflecting on and shaping the Black experience at the University of Chicago. Rooted in the principle of intergenerational conversations, this year’s conference calls us to draw from the wisdom of the past to inform how we navigate the present and build toward a more empowered future.

Through intergenerational dialogue, thought-provoking panels, and interactive engagement, the conference will explore the histories, challenges, and possibilities that define Black life at UChicago. From the legacy of Black student organizing to the realities of today’s campus climate, this space invites participants to reflect, connect, and imagine what it means to move from presence to power.

Whether you are a current student, alum, or community partner, Black Conference 2026 offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, build a collective vision, and contribute to a future rooted in purpose, memory, and transformation!

This year’s Black Conference will explore:

• What foundations did previous generations of Black UChicagoans lay?

• How are current students reshaping the meaning of Black presence and power on campus?

• What does a thriving Black future at UChicago actually require, structurally, culturally, and politically?

Why This Conference Matters Now.

• Increasing institutional uncertainty in higher ed

• National attacks on Black studies and DEI

• Student burnout and political fatigue

• Need for intergenerational continuity