About Us & Event Details
About
The State of Black Maine Symposium is a multigenerational gathering that will be held annually on Juneteenth, now a paid state holiday. The daylong celebration will feature artistic performances, plenary convenings, panel discussions, exhibitions, delicious food, and wonderful opportunities to connect and build community.
Through engaging discussions, participants will develop a deeper understanding of Maine’s Black history and for the broad spectrum of conditions experienced today by the state’s Black populations. Panel events will focus on sectors such as employment, education, environmental justice, health, housing, criminal justice, and economics. Black-owned businesses and Black-led organizations will present their work and their wares.
Please join us for this exciting statewide convening, whose aim is to create and sustain a public platform that amplifies Black Maine voices, unifies across difference, builds solidarity, fosters collaboration, holds space for creative expression, and inspires bold collective visioning.
Partner organizations
The State of Black Maine Symposium will take place at the University of Southern Maine on Monday, June 19, 2023 under the auspices of Maine Black Community Development in partnership with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations; Maine Humanities Council; Maine Arts Commission; Maine State Archive; Maine State Library; Maine Historical Society; Cultural Affairs Council; University of Southern Maine; and Maine Black Educators Collective.
Agenda
Agenda
Welcome
Hannaford Hall
Grounding & prayer
Performance
Poetry by Christina Richardson
How It Was: Growing up Black in Maine
Doc Flo Edwards facilitates a discussion with elders and members of Maine’s multigenerational Black families
Performance
A Slave Ship Called Malaga, by Antonio Rocha
Refreshments
Hannaford Hall Lobby
Concurrent Sessions
Hannaford Hall & Gerald E. Talbot Hall
The State of Black Industry
Hannaford Hall
Presented by Black-Owned Maine, this panel discussion showcases the economic development and innovation happening thanks to Black-owned businesses, along with the challenges they face
The State of Black Education
Gerald E. Talbot Hall
Presented by Maine Black Educators Collective, participants in this panel discussion will explore efforts to integrate African American studies into the curriculum statewide, the development of resources related to Maine’s Black history, related state legislation, and national debates
Lunch by Black Betty’s Bistro
Hannaford Hall Lobby
Chef Louis Pickens is serving up Dirty Rice, BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs, Braised Beef Country Style Ribs, Couscous with Roasted Vegetables (vegan)
Mezzanine
Performance by DJ Genius Black
Black-Owned Business Fair
Concurrent Sessions
Hannaford Hall & Gerald E. Talbot Hall
The State of Black Justice
Hannaford Hall
A panel discussion featuring people with various levels of engagement with Maine’s criminal justice system discussing the experiences of moving through that system in Maine as a Black person. The panelists will address topics including jury selection processes, prosecutorial processes, and the experience of being incarcerated.
The State of Black Arts
Gerald E. Talbot Hall
Presented by Indigo Arts Alliance, this panel of writers, visual and performance artists will discuss the intersections between their creative practice and their social and political engagement.
Refreshments
Hannaford Hall Lobby
How It Is: Growing up Black in Maine
Hannaford Hall
Featuring students, youth leaders, members of Black Student Unions
Closing in Community
Hannaford Hall
Lift Every Voice and Sing
9:00 - 9:20 AM
9:20 - 9:30 AM
9:30 - 10:10 AM
10:10 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 10:45 AM
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
12:30 - 1:00 PM
1:30 - 2:45 PM
3:00 - 3:15 PM
3:15 - 4:45 PM
5:00 - 6:00 PM