Trinity Students Attend Black Solidarity Conference at Yale University

The Office of Multicultural Affairs

The Black Solidarity Conference at Yale is a completely student-run annual conference. BSC is the largest undergraduate conference held at Yale University and it continues to grow each year. BSC invites over 700 undergraduates of various races, religions, ethnicities and communities to discuss issues pertaining to the African Diaspora. Through discussions, panels, networking and social gatherings, students from across the country analyze issues affecting the Black/Afro-Diasporic community and explore solutions that can be implemented on their own college campuses. The 28th annual conference was held on Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 at Yale University in New Haven, CT. The theme was “The Renaissance is B(l)ack: Crafting Joy, Confronting Injustice” – reflecting a period of cultural rebirth within the Black community.

Twenty Trinity College students had the privilege of attending the prestigious event. Samiya Johnson ’27, an executive board member of Imani’s Black Student Union, was one of them. She found the conference particularly impactful, especially the panel session titled “Redefining Leadership in the Black Community: Black Voices in Politics and Activism.” Johnson felt that the panelists fostered a “safe space” and shared the takeaway that “there’s always work to be done under any leadership, but remember, you don’t carry the burden alone.”

Hadas Ali ’28 also attended and shared her surprise at how much the conference exceeded her expectations. Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned the powerful stories shared by keynote speaker, Kevin Richardson, a survivor of the Central Park Five case. Ali was deeply moved, stating, “His insights and stories were heart-touching, motivating me to continuously contribute to my community, no matter what.”

The conference left a lasting impression on many Trinity attendees Khalil Thurman ’26 encouraged others to attend, especially those who might feel isolated at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), saying, “It’s an opportunity to experience a strong sense of community and unity, to finally feel understood and safe.” Ini-Oluwa Adegbayi ’28 echoed this sentiment, adding, “What made this conference so impactful wasn’t just the knowledge I gained, but the feeling of being part of something bigger. There’s nothing like being in a space where Black excellence is celebrated, where every conversation sparks new ideas, and where support feels effortless.”

The Office of Multicultural Affairs and IMANI Black Student Union supported students in attending the conference. The Black Solidarity Conference kicked off the Black History Month festivities for Trinity College. Please join us in the celebrations!