Reclaim. Empower. Strategize. Transform. (REST):
The Path to Sustainable Freedom
20th Annual Black Policy Conference
Held April 4-6, 2025
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA
Behind the Theme: Inspired by Angela Davis & Audre Lorde
This year’s theme, Reclaim, Empower, Strategize, Transform (REST): The Path to Sustainable Freedom, is inspired by the wisdom of Audre Lorde and Angela Davis, who remind us that rest is not just a pause, but a necessary part of creating lasting change.
Angela Davis encourages us to rethink how we define freedom, reminding us that “anyone who’s interested in making change in the world, also has to learn how to take care of herself, himself, themselves…What if we understood our dreams of freedom not as dreams of unending struggle, but as dreams of peace and joy? Of rest?” Her words highlight that true progress isn’t just about constant action—it also requires reflection, renewal, and the ability to imagine a future beyond struggle. If we are always fighting, when do we take time to strategize, heal, and build something sustainable?
Similarly, Audre Lorde teaches us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, famously stating, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Her insight reframes rest as an essential practice that strengthens individuals and communities, ensuring that advocacy, leadership, and innovation can be sustained over time.
By embracing this year's theme, we acknowledge that meaningful change requires both action and restoration. This theme encourages us to see rest—whether through self-care, community-building, or strategic reflection—as a powerful tool for empowerment and long-term transformation.
Celebrating 20 Years of the Black Policy Conference!
This year marks a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Black Policy Conference (BPC)! This year's theme is "Reclaim. Empower. Strategize. Transform (REST): The Path to Sustainable Freedom." For two decades, BPC has provided a space for meaningful dialogue, actionable solutions, and community-driven change. More than just a conference, it has remained a dynamic platform where leaders, advocates, and changemakers come together to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing Black communities.
Panels Include:
Land ownership, food security, and environmental sustainability are deeply connected to Black liberation. This panel explores the challenges Black farmers face, from land loss to systemic discrimination, while highlighting the ways they are reclaiming agriculture as a means of economic independence and community empowerment. Panelists will discuss sustainable farming, food justice initiatives, and the fight for policies that support Black growers and producers.
Wealth inequality remains a major barrier to opportunity for Black communities. This discussion will break down the factors that influence economic mobility, including access to capital, entrepreneurship, and workforce equity. Panelists will share strategies for career growth, business development, and financial empowerment, focusing on ways to build lasting economic security in a rapidly changing economy.
Efforts to erase or distort Black history are growing, making it even more important to protect and share these stories. This conversation looks at the role of history in shaping identity, policy, and progress. Experts will explore the fight against historical erasure, the impact of Black studies in education, and how storytelling can be a tool for resistance and empowerment.
Representation matters, but visibility alone is not enough. Black LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face unique challenges in healthcare, housing, workplace rights, and political advocacy. This panel will examine current policies, discuss areas where progress is needed, and highlight the work of leaders pushing for real change. The goal is to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward meaningful action that protects and uplifts the community.
Black communities thrive when they are supported by strong institutions, economic investment, and collective action. This panel will dive into the ways community leaders, grassroots organizations, and policymakers are working to create lasting change. Topics will include mutual aid networks, cooperative economics, and strategies to strengthen Black neighborhoods in the face of systemic challenges.
With affirmative action policies shifting, Black students and educators must navigate new barriers to opportunity. This panel will explore the changing landscape of college admissions, the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the impact of policy decisions on Black learners at all levels. Panelists will also discuss how communities can work to ensure equitable access to quality education despite these changes.
Black writers and artists have long shaped cultural and political thought. This panel will examine the work of James Baldwin, August Wilson, and Octavia Butler, exploring how their stories challenge power structures, redefine identity, and inspire movements. Panelists will discuss how literature and the arts continue to be tools for resistance, healing, and reimagining the future.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, politics, and social structures, but its impact on Black communities remains a growing concern. This panel will explore the risks and opportunities AI presents, from algorithmic bias and surveillance to job displacement and misinformation. Experts will discuss how Black policymakers, technologists, and advocates can shape AI to serve, rather than harm, Black America.
Healthcare disparities continue to harm Black communities, but groundbreaking research and advocacy are pushing for change. This panel will focus on innovations in medicine, public health, and policy aimed at improving outcomes for Black patients. Discussions will include racial bias in healthcare, community-based health solutions, and the role of Black medical professionals in transforming the system.
Beyond One Narrative
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Beyond One Narrative
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Sessions Include:
Dr. Robert Livingston challenges traditional notions of success and influence, offering a fresh perspective on how Black professionals, leaders, and changemakers can navigate, reshape, and, when necessary, step beyond existing systems. Drawing from his latest work, he will explore the dynamics of power, the limitations of institutional reform, and the importance of creating independent spaces for progress. Through research-backed insights and real-world examples, this conversation will examine what it means to not only succeed within existing structures but also to push for transformative change that redefines the rules altogether.
Curated by the Sounds of the Diaspora team, this interactive wellness session invites participants into a joyful and healing space rooted in movement, art, and collective care. Through guided dance, collaborative art-making, and intentional reflection, attendees will explore what freedom, rest, and self-expression look and feel like in community. Led by DJ and community organizer Tumi Mary Ògúndámisí, well-being strategist Malaika Ogukwe, and visual designer Huanyan Huang, this session centers Black wellness not as an afterthought, but as a vital foundation for liberation.
Facilitators:
• Tumi Mary Ògúndámisí | Founder, Sounds of the Diaspora
• Malaika Ogukwe | Chair of Partnerships & Coordination, Sounds of the Diaspora
• Huanyan Huang | Visual Design & Logistics Manager, Sounds of the DiasporaAstead Herndon, national political reporter for The New York Times and host of The Run-Up podcast, and Katrina Gamble, Founder and CEO of Sojourn Strategies, bring their political and strategic insight to this plenary session. With the 2024 election behind us and the political landscape still shifting, they will reflect on the forces that shaped voter behavior, party strategies, and public trust. Drawing from reporting and on-the-ground organizing, they will explore how race, media, and power interact—and what those dynamics mean for the future of democracy.
Panelists:
• Astead Herndon, National Political Reporter, The New York Times; Host, The Run-Up
• Katrina Gamble, Founder & CEO, Sojourn StrategiesBlack leaders have been instrumental in shaping public institutions, advancing equity, and pushing for meaningful policy change across all levels of government and civil society. This plenary explores the diverse routes Black changemakers take into public service—from elected office and political appointments to community-based leadership and advocacy. Speakers will reflect on their journeys, the barriers they’ve faced, and how they’ve worked within and outside of institutions to build coalitions, drive reform, and leave lasting impact.
Panelists:
• Anthony Foxx | Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Professor, Harvard Kennedy School
• Phillip Jones | Mayor, Newport News, VAModerator:
• Paul Mounds, Jr. | Vice President of Community, Corporate, and Government Relations, Yale New Haven HealthAccess to land, resources, and equitable food systems remains a challenge for Black farmers, impacting economic stability and food security in Black communities. This panel will explore the intersection of agriculture, policy, and sustainability, addressing issues such as land ownership, climate resilience, and the role of government support in strengthening Black farming. By reclaiming land, empowering farmers with financial resources, and strategizing for long-term food security, Black communities can transform agriculture into a sustainable tool for economic independence.
Panelists:
• Qiana Mickie | Executive Director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture
• Skyler Henry | National Correspondent, CBS News
• Georgina Sarpong | Director of Food Strategy, Commerce RI
Moderator:
• Dr. Michelle Cruz | MC/MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School
Homeownership has long been a pathway to wealth, yet Black communities continue to face systemic barriers—including predatory lending, underappraisals, property tax disparities, and limited access to capital. Even after purchasing a home, maintaining and passing down property remains a challenge. This panel will explore policy solutions that strengthen Black homeownership, ensure financial protections, and create long-term housing stability.
Panelists:
• Thomas W. Mitchell | Professor, Boston College Law School
• Monica Mitchell | Chief of Staff, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
• Tony Pickett | CEO, Grounded Solutions Network
• Courtney Brunson | Director, Racial Wealth Gap PartnershipModerator:
• Anja Young | MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy SchoolBlack communities thrive when they are built on strong institutions, collective investment, and equitable policymaking. This panel will explore the role of policy in housing, economic development, and local governance, while also examining community-driven solutions that ensure sustainable growth and stability. By reclaiming community resources, strategizing for economic self-sufficiency, and empowering grassroots leadership, we can transform Black neighborhoods into spaces of security and opportunity for future generations.
Panelists:
• Brandon McGee | CEO, Social Equity Council
• Dr. Yusuf Ransome | Associate Professor, Yale School of Public Health
• Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos | Chief of Policy, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts
• Devin Morris | Co-founder and Executive Director, The Teachers’ Lounge
Moderator:
• James Frater | Program Associate & Research Manager, Yale University
In an increasingly interconnected world, the policies and decisions made in one country can have profound ripple effects across borders. From trade and technology to climate change and human rights, the challenges facing Black communities are shaped by both domestic and global forces. This discussion will examine the shifting landscape of political power, the role of international coalitions, and how local advocacy connects to global movements. As geopolitical tensions rise and economic shifts redefine international relationships, understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping policies that protect and uplift marginalized communities. The conversation will explore how Black leaders, policymakers, and advocates can navigate and influence this evolving global landscape to ensure that equity, justice, and opportunity extend beyond national borders.
Panelists:
• Shirley Martey Hargis | Senior Data & AI Policy Analyst, ManTech; Nonresident Fellow, Atlantic Council
• Chadwick Eason | Senior Consultant, Deloitte; President & Co-founder, NABEA
• Laura Kupe | Former Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense
Moderator:
• Chris Agnew | MPP Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School
Wellness and prosperity are deeply connected—but for many Black communities, systemic barriers continue to limit access to both. This panel explores how policy, community infrastructure, and cultural practice can work together to support holistic health and long-term economic security. From mental and physical wellness to wealth-building and collective care, we’ll examine the strategies, resources, and innovations needed to build thriving Black futures. How do we ensure that rest, healing, and stability are not the exception, but the foundation?
Panelists:
• Jessica Fulton | Vice President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
• Aba Taylor | CEO, YW Boston
• Anouska Bhattacharyya | Vice President of Programs, YW BostonModerator:
• Faith Ambrose | Policy Manager, Massachusetts Executive Office of EducationBlack journalism and media have long played a critical role in shaping narratives, holding institutions accountable, and amplifying voices that are often ignored or misrepresented in mainstream outlets. As misinformation spreads and media consolidation threatens independent reporting, the need for Black-led journalism has never been greater. This discussion will examine the power of storytelling in shaping public perception, influencing policy, and preserving history. From digital platforms to investigative reporting, Black media continues to be a driving force in ensuring that stories are told with nuance, accuracy, and a commitment to truth. In a time where control over narratives is a form of power, investing in Black media is not just about representation—it’s about ensuring that information remains a tool for liberation, advocacy, and lasting change.
Panelists:
• Clay Cane | Host, The Clay Cane Show, SiriusXM; Author
• Darcel Rockett | Senior Journalist, Chicago Tribune
• Tyrone Beason | Reporter, Los Angeles Times
Moderator:
• Skyler Henry | National Correspondent, CBS News
Healthcare disparities continue to impact Black communities, but policy-driven innovations, medical research, and community-led solutions are reshaping access to quality care. This panel will focus on the intersection of health equity, technology, and advocacy, exploring how sustainable policies can improve outcomes and address systemic disparities. True healthcare reform is not just about expanding access—it’s about ensuring that rest, recovery, and well-being are recognized as integral to Black survival and success.
Panelists:
• LaShyra Nolen | Resident Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Adolfo G. Cuevas | Assistant Professor, NYU School of Global Public Health; Deputy Director, Center for Anti-Racism, Social Justice, & Public Health
• Paul Mounds, Jr. | Vice President of Community, Corporate, and Government Relations, Yale New Haven Health
Moderator:
• James Frater | Program Associate & Research Manager, Yale University
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of modern life, yet Black communities face algorithmic bias, digital surveillance, and economic displacement as a result of emerging technologies. This panel will examine how AI policies must be designed to serve Black communities rather than replicate existing inequities, ensuring that innovation prioritizes justice, access, and democratic integrity. With intentional policy and regulation, AI can be reclaimed as a tool for progress rather than a mechanism of exclusion, ensuring Black communities are part of shaping the future rather than reacting to it.
Panelists:
• Danielle Allen | Professor, Harvard University
• Krystal Jackson | Nonresident Research Fellow, Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity
Moderator:
• Marcelle Momha | MC/MPA Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School
Let's Continue the Work
The Black Policy Conference isn’t just about what happens during the weekend—it’s about what comes next. The conversations we start here should lead to real action, whether that’s in policy, advocacy, community work, or everyday decisions.
Let’s take what we’ve learned and keep it moving. That might mean staying in touch with speakers and attendees, joining policy initiatives, organizing in your community, or continuing these discussions in your own spaces.
Keep the conversation going by:
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Staying connected with fellow attendees, speakers, and organizers to build lasting partnerships;
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Bringing ideas into action—whether through policy, advocacy, or grassroots initiatives;
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Continuing the dialogue on social media, in your communities, and within your organizations; and
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Investing in your growth by engaging with recommended readings, podcasts, and upcoming discussions.
Black communities are vast, diverse, and multifaceted—spanning different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to change. The Black Policy Conference is built on the understanding that we are not a monolith. Our sessions reflect the complexity of our identities, histories, and the policies that impact us.
This year’s conference brings together a wide range of voices—activists, policymakers, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders—to engage in conversations that challenge assumptions.
From mental health and media representation to housing justice and healthcare equity, our discussions are designed to go beyond surface-level conversations and dive into real solutions, ideas, and strategies. Whether addressing systemic barriers to housing, disparities in healthcare, the power of storytelling, or the state of mental wellness in our communities, these conversations create space for learning and collective visioning—because sustainable freedom requires more than one approach.
No single policy, perspective, or pathway defines us. This conference is about embracing the full spectrum of Black thought, action, and innovation—together.
Beyond One Narrative
SPONSORED BY
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