2026 Black Cemetery Network Conference

CROSSROADS TO CROSSWALKS, WE ARE HERE:
Working to Preserve Hallowed Ground at the Intersection of Dignity and Unity

Date, Time, and Location
Thursday, May 21, 2026
4:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 22, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Reception to follow

USFSP Student Centers & Events
200 6th Ave S. USC 173
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

CONFERENCE ABSTRACT
This two-day event brings together people, families, community organizations, cemetery preservation advocates, researchers, artists, descendants, heritage practitioners, and anyone committed to learning about Black cemetery erasure and preservation efforts and advancing dignity for the dead. Through presentations, workshops, and community conversations, participants will engage in a range of activities and be introduced to a wide range of resources, expertise, and creative expression designed to shine the light on cemetery preservation efforts at local and national levels. Practitioners and people with knowledge in areas such as oral history, education, genealogy, archaeology, anthropology, grant writing, journalism, site restoration, the legislative process, digital/archival preservation, memorialization, advocacy, and legal oversight and protection will be present.

At its core, this conference is about the future. Our focus in on working together to build for the next generation, while honoring those who came before us.

The conference highlights the importance of preserving Black cemeteries not only as sacred spaces and places of rest but also as vital links to hometown histories, memory, and identity. By creating opportunities to share knowledge, tools, and stories, the gathering emphasizes the value of working together to ensure a just future for the next generation.

CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
Antoinette Jackson, Ph.D.
Walter Jennings
Kaleigh Hoyt

More information (including the full schedule and ticketing information) can be found on the USF page for the conference here: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/events/2026/black-cemetery-conference.aspx

Registration closes May 13, 2026.
Register before April 17th to receive special early bird pricing!