Black Artistic Freedom Conference 2026

A woman dances on stage, holding a microphone, with her arms spread wide like wings.

The Center of Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research, College of Education, W.E.B. Du Bois Center, and UMass Amherst Libraries present the Black AF (Artistic Freedom) Conference.

Black AF Conference

February 21, 2026
UMass Amherst College of Education

What does it mean to heal through art? How do the conversations that scholars, creatives, and activists have through literacy, language and unapologetic expression shape the culture that we live in? If we do not continue to incite the revolution now, then when?

Tentative Schedule

  • Breakfast 8:30–9:30 a.m.
  • Education, Arts, and Activism Symposium 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Networking Reception 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • W.E.B Du Bois Poetry Slam Invitational 5:00–8:00 p.m.

See the full schedule.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks included. Light refreshments at reception.

Registration & Lodging

Registration is required—RSVP here by Sunday, February 8 at midnight.

Rooms at Hotel UMass are limited; please book early. You may also consider staying at the Hampton Inn in Hadley.

Support the Black AF Conference

Donations are welcomed to support this conference.

Follow @blackafconference on Instagram to stay up-to-date on this year's conference as it develops.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please iwallace [at] umass [dot] edu (email Imani Wallace).

A short recap of the first ever BLACK AF (Artistic Freedom) CONFERENCE 2024 at the UMass Amherst College of Education.