HOOKSETT, NH – Building on the theme of resilience within the African American community, this year’s Black New England Conference will bring together a vibrant group of young content creators for a critical discussion on the progress, or lack thereof, on the path towards social and cultural advancement in the United States.
The 19th Annual Black New England Conference will take place October 25, 2025,
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 North River Road, Hooksett.
As the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this gathering will examine the current issues impacting African Americans, from racial justice and economic equity to representation in media and political disenfranchisement. These social media influencers, who have a powerful impact on public perception and community mobilization, will share their perspectives on how far African Americans have come, the challenges that remain, and the paths forward in areas such as education, economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment.
Attendees will explore how social media can be leveraged for activism, awareness, and change, with an emphasis on fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking dialogue. The State of the Union aims to inspire a new generation of leaders to shape the narrative and drive change as we look toward 2026 and beyond.
Participants at the conference will dialogue around some of the most pressing social challenges, which may include:
Economic Growth & Entrepreneurship: Generational wealth building remains a challenge, affecting access to quality education, healthcare, and financial stability.
Educational Opportunities: Schools in predominantly African American neighborhoods often receive less funding, resulting in fewer resources, larger class sizes, and less access to advanced courses. This underfunding contributes to disparities in educational outcomes, affecting college attendance rates and job opportunities for African American youth.
Racial Justice and Criminal Reform: Systemic racial profiling, harsher sentencing, and over policing in predominantly Black neighborhoods contribute to a cycle of criminalization and mistrust between Black communities and law enforcement.
Event Schedule
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Round Table Discussion with Social Media Content Creators and Moderator.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Facilitate Small Group Discussions with Individual Presenters and Participants.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch and Citizen Award Presentation (Citizen of the Year: Shay Stewart-Bouley).
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Keynote Conversation with Lynae Vanee and Shannon LaNier.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Networking Opportunity.
Registration Fees
Student scholarships are available. Email dariya@blackheritagetrailnh.org for more info.
In-Person
Full Conference Fee – $95
Register Here for Regular In-Person Attendance
Student Conference Fee – $50
Register Here for Student In-Person Registration
Virtual
Full Conference Fee – $45
Register Here for Regular Virtual Attendance
Student Conference Fee – $10
Register Here for Student Virtual Attendance
* In Person Conference fees include full 1-day conference with round table discussion, small group discussions, awards luncheon, and keynote conversation.
* Virtual Conference fees include full 1-day conference with round table discussion, breakout room, and keynote conversation.