Conference on Black History in the Hudson Valley

​Conference on Black History in the Hudson Valley

October 2, 2021 in-person at SUNY Ulster and virtual via Zoom

KINGSTON, N.Y. – The Hudson River Maritime Museum, The Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center, TMI Project's Black Stories Matter, the Underground Railroad Education Center, and the Harambee Coalition and Pine Street African Burial Ground are proud to host the 2021 Conference on Black History in the Hudson Valley, to be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge, NY. The conference will be available for a limited number of attendees in-person, and will be simultaneously broadcast virtually via Zoom. 
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The all-day conference features twelve presenters on four panels with topics including the role of the Black church, voting rights, the Underground Railroad, Jim Crow, the arts, Green Books, interpretation at area museums, and more, plus a roundtable discussion, and a program remembering Dr. A.J. Williams-Myers, a leader in Hudson Valley Black history research and education. Keynote speakers include Dr. Myra Young Armstead, Vice President for Academic Inclusive Excellence; Lyford Paterson Edwards and Helen Gray Edwards Professor of Historical Studies, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY and Lavada Nahon, Interpreter of African American History, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

This conference is open to everyone. The fee to attend is $30/person for in-person and $15/household for virtual access. For more information and to register, visit www.hrmm.org/black-history-conference.

This conference has the generous support of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project, individual donors, and others. SUNY Ulster is the conference facilities sponsor. 

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and related industries. In addition to extensive collections documenting maritime transportation, industry, recreation, and natural science, the museum offers classes and programs at its Wooden Boat School, Sailing and Rowing School, and aboard Solaris, the 100% solar powered tour boat and floating classroom. The museum is located along the historic Rondout waterfront in downtown Kingston. Visit www.hrmm.org for more information.

The Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center promotes literacy through teaching and learning about the African roots experience, including history and culture, through a dynamic exchange of information, ideas, and creativity. Learn more at www.africanrootslibrary.org. 

TMI Project's mission is to help craft and amplify radically true stories to ignite human connection, challenge the status quo, and inspire both storytellers and listeners to take action for positive social change. Black Stories Matter provides Black-led true storytelling workshops where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend the truth of their lived experiences. The culminating content -- written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and podcasts -- is accessible to an all-inclusive audience. We pair our storytelling media with strategic tools to inspire deep introspection, a willingness to transform oneself and take bold action to end systemic racism. Learn more at www.tmiproject.org/blackstoriesmatter. 

The Underground Railroad Education Center researches and preserves the local and national history of the Underground Railroad movement, its international connections, and its legacy for today’s social justice issues, thereby empowering people of all ages to be agents of change toward an equitable and just society. Learn more at www.undergroundrailroadhistory.org. 

Harambee a mid-Hudson valley coalition that supports and promotes the strength of our community through cultural and educational events that enriches the lives of youth and adults. Harambee also cares for and manages the Pine Street African Burial Ground. Learn more at www.harambeekingstonny.org. 

Photo
Undated photo of Steamer Mary Powell crew posing on deck with Captain A.E. Anderson, center front row with newspaper. 1st row: Fannie Anthony stewardess; 4th from left, Pilot Hiram Briggs; 5th, Capt. A.E. Anderson (with paper); 6th Purser Joseph Reynolds, Jr. Standing, 3rd from left: Barber (with bow tie). Black men at right possibly stewards. Donald C. Ringwald collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.