Call for Proposals

The Time is Now: The Lives of Black Men Past, Present, and Future

March 25-26, 2022

Call for Proposals

The lives of Black men are valuable. The purpose of this symposium is to center the realities of Black men past and present while imagining future possibilities. In the words of Black Male Studies scholar T. Hasan Johnson, we plan to “delve into the lives of Black males beyond stereotypes, conjecture, and opinion.” 

The symposium prompts us to pause and listen to the stories of Black men across time, age, class, region, and sexuality. Given the historical marginalization of Black males and the evident atrocities over the past decade with the violent deaths of Black men and boys, there is an urgency to lean into the humanity of Black men and imagine a future where they (we) can thrive in all realms of life.

To that end, we invite academic researchers, educators, activists, community organizers, and independent researchers who focus on the study and well-being of Black men to submit a 200 to 300 word abstract by November 30, 2021 [Deadline extended from November 15 to November 30]. The symposium is multi-disciplinary and open to all who would like to apply. We welcome a range of topics in the fields of education, law, history, psychology, and medicine related to Black males of all identities. We also invite community organizers and activists to submit proposals in areas such as cultural production (art, poetry, music), wellness, and spirituality. We use the term “men” broadly and invite presentations that highlight the work of all people.

 The symposium has three main outcomes on the tracks of past, present, and future:  

• Illuminate ways in which racialized males can traverse their (our) daily realities.
• Identify prospects and possibilities on Black male equity in all life realms.
• Provide practical strategies and techniques to improve the existence of Black males by drawing on lessons from the past

Possible topics include but are not limited to:

• Black Men in Local, State and National Politics
• Black Males as Community Healers
• The Lives of Black Queer/Gay Men
• Personal Testimonies of Resilience in a Structurally Racist Society
• Narratives of Enslaved and Free Black Men
• Black Men and the Social Determinants of Health
• Media Representations of Black Men
• Black Men and Mental Health Disparities
• Black Males and Sports
• Black Males in Higher Education
• Black Males and Employment Discrimination
• Black Male Stereotypes in a Capitalist Society
• #BlackBoyJoy