Teaching Black History Conference
Each year, the Teaching Black History conference, our signature event, convenes hundreds of teachers to learn the best curricular and instructional practices surrounding Black history education. We host expert speakers and entertainment, but the stars of the conference are our teachers. Each conference session is led by a classroom teacher who shares their Black history strategies. The sessions are interactive, so participants will have hands-on experiences to bring to their classrooms. We welcome community educators, parents, school-aged students, librarians, museum curators and anyone who loves to learn about Black history. Attendees are eligible for 24 professional development credits.
2026 Conference Theme
The year 2026 marks two historic milestones that frame our theme of Black Founding Mothers and Fathers.
It is the semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While the Declaration excluded Black people from its promises of liberty, it did not erase their profound impact on the founding of the United States. Black people fought for independence, contributed to the nation’s growth and built enduring institutions — churches, schools, mutual aid societies and civic organizations — that sustained Black communities and, in many ways, established a nation within a nation. These builders, leaders and visionaries are remembered as Black Founders.
It is also the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month. Here, we honor Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black history,” whose groundbreaking work made Black history visible, accessible and integral to the nation’s story. His vision established a tradition of celebrating and preserving the legacies of Black people who shaped the nation.
Taken together, these anniversaries invite us to reflect on the Black women and men who founded institutions, movements and ideas that carried forward the struggle for freedom, dignity and self-determination. The 2026 Teaching Black History Conference will celebrate, teach and learn from these Black Founding Mothers and Fathers — those who built, created and passed down legacies that continue to define Black life and American democracy today.
Mark Your Calendars
The conference will be held:
July 24-25, 2026
Location: University at Buffalo - South Campus, Buffalo, NY
Center Director and Conference Leader
LaGarrett J. King, PhD
LaGarrett J. King, professor of social studies education, joined the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education in January 2022. He was previously the Isabella Wade Lyda and Paul Lyda Professor of Education at the University of Missouri. He received his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin after an eight-year teaching career in Georgia and Texas. His primary research interest examines the teaching and learning of Black history in schools and society. He also researches critical theories of race, teacher education and curriculum history.
Contact: GSE-BlackHistoryRLE@buffalo.edu
The 2026 Teaching Black History Conference call for proposals is now open!
This is a great opportunity to present to hundreds of K-12 educators about the best practices for Black history education. Presentation proposals will fit into one of the following four categories:
- Early childhood/elementary (PK-6)
- Middle/High School (7-12)
- General (all academic levels)
- University teacher education or the training of practicing teachers
Proposals should highlight Black founders who created and sustained institutions for Black people, addressing social, economic, and political aspects.
While the primary focus is on Black Founders, any proposals related to Black history are welcome.
Below, you will find our call for proposals and a link to submit your idea.
Proposals are due by Feb. 28, 2026.
Key Facts
Two Days (In-Person)
Friday, July 24, 2026
Saturday, July 25, 2026
(Times are flexible and may be subject to change)
Location:
University at Buffalo South Campus
300 Hayes Road
Buffalo, NY 14124
Contact
Hannah Montgomery | GSE-BlackHistoryRLE@buffalo.edu | 716-645-1060
25 High Street | Buffalo, New York 14203
(877) 999-3223
Book using the link below, or call the hotel directly.
For those checking in Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and checking out Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- Guests will use GROUP/BLOCK CODE: 072126TBH.
- Booking cutoff date for this block is Sunday, June 21, 2026.
For those checking in Thursday, July 23, 2026, and checking out Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- Guests will use GROUP/BLOCK CODE: 072326TBH.
- Booking cutoff date for this block is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
10 Lafayette Square | Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 848-1000
Book using the link below, or call the hotel directly.
Guests checking in Thursday, July 23, 2026, and checking out Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- Booking cutoff date for this block is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.