Black August Back to School Reparations Conference

Join Us for the Black August Back-to-School Reparations Conference: This years theme is Art, Resistance & Reparations.
About this Event

The Center for Black Empowerment proudly presents the Black August Reparations Conference, a three-day gathering dedicated to education, community engagement, cultural preservation, and the advancement of the movement for reparative justice. This conference will bring together community leaders, advocates, elders, youth, and organizers from across the country to explore the importance of reparations and collective action while honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of Black communities.

We are honored to welcome Davida Ingram, a member of the Seattle Reparations Commission, as our keynote speaker. Drawing from Seattle's work to advance reparative policies and community-centered solutions, Ms. Ingram will share insights, strategies, and inspiration for building sustainable pathways toward justice and equity.

The conference begins on Thursday, August 27, with a guided bus tour of historic Saint Paul, highlighting significant Black historical landmarks, neighborhoods, and stories that have shaped the city's rich legacy. The tour will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the local history that informs today's movement for justice and empowerment.

On Friday, August 28, the conference will celebrate intergenerational leadership Elders Dinner, honoring the wisdom, sacrifice, and legacy of those who have paved the way, alongside a Youth Brunch the next generation of leaders through fellowship, learning, and community building.

The conference concludes on Saturday, August 29, with a community Rally and March calling for meaningful reparative justice, followed by a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway to support local students and families as they prepare for the new school year. This day of action and service reflects our commitment to advocacy that is grounded in community care.

The Black August Reparations Conference is more than an event—it is a call to action. Through education, dialogue, celebration, and service, we seek to strengthen our collective voice, honor our ancestors, invest in our youth, and continue building a future rooted in justice, healing, and Black empowerment.

We invite community members, organizations, educators, students, faith leaders, elected officials, and allies to join us for this powerful weekend as we commemorate Black August and advance the movement for reparative justice in Minnesota and beyond.