Check-in & Continental Breakfast
Join us for a Continental Breakfast and Registration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, located on the 5th floor of the Taubman Building.
Greetings & Opening Remarks
Join us as we officially kick off the 2025 HBCU Summit with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Building Bridges Education.
Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative
The Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative is a University-wide presidential initiative, anchored in years of research and led by Dr. Sara Bleich. This initiative focuses on confronting Harvard's historical ties to slavery while advancing efforts toward truth, repair, and accountability. Dr. Bleich will discuss the University's ongoing commitment to this work, highlight impactful partnerships with HBCUs, and explore the next steps in building sustainable relationships aimed at creating lasting change.
Presented by:
Dr. Sara Bleich, Vice Provost for Special Projects, Harvard University
Plenary Session: Stronger Together: The Intersection of Education, Workforce, and Liberation
This plenary session will be an exciting and inspiring conversation featuring a powerhouse of leaders shaping the future of community, education, and workforce development! This plenary session will explore the intersection of how we can break down silos and build stronger bridges between our communities, campuses, and careers. At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to transforming communities into spaces of economic opportunity and education attainment rooted in justice and equity.
Through real-world examples, bold ideas, and meaningful dialogue, our panelists and moderator will spotlight innovative partnerships that expand access to secondary and postsecondary opportunities and equip students with the skills, support, and networks needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce.
Panelist:
Ms. Lauren Jones, The Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
Ms. Chelsea Holley, The Director of Admissions, Spelman College
Dr. Ivy McGregor, Chief Strategy Officer of Lighthouse, The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas
Moderator:
Ms. Courtney Boston, CEO HerVision Media & Consulting | Co-Founder WWOC Media Network
Networking Lunch
Join us for a networking lunch where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow educators and leaders.
Expanding the HBCU Footprint: Partnerships, Global Reach, and Community Dialogue
Join us for an engaging community dialogue that explores how internal relations and strategic partnerships can elevate the visibility and impact of HBCUs beyond the national landscape. Drawing from his work at Delaware State University, Dr. McLemore will share real-world examples of how community collaborations and global alliances have strengthened the mission and reach of HBCUs.
Presenter by:
Dr. Kareem McLemore, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and International Affairs, Delaware State University
Rooted in Reflection, Rising in Action
As we close out the first day of the HBCU Summit, we honor the voices, stories, and truths that ground our work—and we rise, together, committed to continuing the movement for access, justice, and excellence.
HBCU Reception: Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and the Future
HBCU Reception: Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, and the Future
Join us for a special evening celebrating the enduring legacy of HBCUs. This reception will bring together educational leaders, HBCU representatives, policymakers, and community partners to honor the transformative impact of HBCUs in shaping generations of scholars, trailblazers, and change agents.
The evening will also offer a preview of the official HBCU Week in Massachusetts, featuring exciting announcements that highlight our collective commitment to educational equity, opportunity, and excellence.