Roots of Change Conference 2026 - Honoring Our Story As Educators Across the African Diaspora: K12, Higher Education, and Community-Based Education
FEATUREDConference Center/Easley Pavilion @ Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta, GA
Organization: Research Analysis and Consultation, LLC and Frontier Education Consulting
Research Analysis & Consultation (RAC) and Frontier Education Consulting (FEC) invite presentation proposals for Roots of Change, a three-day Conference amplifying the stories, strategies, and scholarship of African-descended and African male educators across K12, higher education, and community education spaces—while also building space for intergenerational, cross-sector, and cross-cultural collaboration that leads to systemic transformation.
- We invite presentation proposals from African-descended and African male educators and administrators across the Diaspora.
- We also invite proposals from allies working alongside African-descended and African male educators as co-educators, administrators, and funders.
Formats for Presentation Proposals
Individual paper or topic presentations: Research-based or reflective presentations, followed by Q&A (20-25 minutes)
Panel sessions: Moderated conversations featuring 2–4 speakers representing diverse perspectives on a shared topic (45 -60 minute sessions)
Roundtable discussions: Interactive, informal group dialogues on a central theme; great for unpacking complex issues or fostering peer collaboration (45-60 minute sessions)
Visual showcases or performances: Artifacts, photography, or spoken word pieces that highlight cultural, personal, or political truths in education (format, dimensions, and time span required in the proposal)
Policy labs: Sessions designed to generate actionable recommendations for legislative or policy change (concurrent sessions; time frame to be determined)
Topics for Presentation Proposals
- African-descended and African male educators, scholars, administrative leaders, and community/cultural educators as change agents: past, present, and future
- Women educators, scholars, and leaders who serve as mentors, collaborators, and co-strategists
- Educators, scholars, and practitioners from all backgrounds who engage in collaborative work with African-descended and African male educators to advance equitable teaching, leadership, and research practices across educational settings.
- Graduate and undergraduate students, youth leaders, and future educators with a passion for reimagining education
- Community builders, policy influencers, artists, and organizers rooted in educational justice
Submission Instructions
To propose a presentation [in one of the above formats], fill out the submission form (see link below).
Notices of acceptance to the conference along with locations, conference fees, and hotel arrangements will be sent on a rolling basis to support scholars, students, and community organizers who are seeking funding from their home institutions and/or other funding sources.
The end date for proposal submission is 11:59 pm on April 28, 2026.
Emails: educationalresearchconsulting1@gmail.com and rootsofchange25@gmail.com
Call for Conference Proposals
“Roots of Change” 2026
Honoring Our Story as Educators Across the African Diaspora: K12, Higher Education, and Community Education
Presenting Organization(s):
Research Analysis & Consultation (Dr. Emily Allen Williams)
Frontier Education Consulting (Dr. Kendrick Johnson)
Conference Location: Conference Center/Easley Pavilion @ Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta, GA
Event Date: October 7-9, 2026
Proposals Due: April 28, 2026
Submit Proposals Here: https://forms.gle/R28ceSmZkf9XUCyN8
educationalresearchconsulting1@gmail.com
Dr. Emily Allen Williams and Dr. Kendrick Johnson