Call for Proposals
The Time is Now: The Lives of Black Men Past, Present, and Future
March 25-26, 2022
Call for Proposals
The lives of Black men are valuable. The purpose of this symposium is to center the realities of Black men past and present while imagining future possibilities. In the words of Black Male Studies scholar T. Hasan Johnson, we plan to “delve into the lives of Black males beyond stereotypes, conjecture, and opinion.”
The symposium prompts us to pause and listen to the stories of Black men across time, age, class, region, and sexuality. Given the historical marginalization of Black males and the evident atrocities over the past decade with the violent deaths of Black men and boys, there is an urgency to lean into the humanity of Black men and imagine a future where they (we) can thrive in all realms of life.
To that end, we invite academic researchers, educators, activists, community organizers, and independent researchers who focus on the study and well-being of Black men to submit a 200 to 300 word abstract by November 30, 2021 [Deadline extended from November 15 to November 30]. The symposium is multi-disciplinary and open to all who would like to apply. We welcome a range of topics in the fields of education, law, history, psychology, and medicine related to Black males of all identities. We also invite community organizers and activists to submit proposals in areas such as cultural production (art, poetry, music), wellness, and spirituality. We use the term “men” broadly and invite presentations that highlight the work of people of all genders, as well as trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals.
The symposium has three main outcomes on the tracks of past, present, and future:
- Illuminate ways in which racialized males can traverse their (our) daily realities.
- Identify prospects and possibilities on Black male equity in all life realms.
- Provide practical strategies and techniques to improve the existence of Black males by drawing on lessons from the past
Possible topics include but are not limited to:
- Black Men in Local, State and National Politics
- Black Males as Community Healers
- The Lives of Black Queer/Gay Men
- Personal Testimonies of Resilience in a Structurally Racist Society
- Narratives of Enslaved and Free Black Men
- Black Men and the Social Determinants of Health
- Media Representations of Black Men
- Black Men and Mental Health Disparities
- Black Males and Sports
- Black Males in Higher Education
- Black Males and Employment Discrimination
- Black Male Stereotypes in a Capitalist Society
- #BlackBoyJoy
Moderator Interest
Are you interested in being involved in the Symposium but are not interested in presenting? Consider serving as a moderator at the 12th annual Lemon Project Symposium. Let us know by filling out this form. It requires a 2-hour time commitment, and the details will be arranged over email. People who can serve as moderators in person preferred, but please still apply if you would like to serve virtually and we'll see what we can arrange.
Submission Guidelines
We accept submissions from both individuals and from panels of 3-4 people.
Guidelines for a Submission from an Individual
Complete your submission by applying here no later than November 30, 2021. Submissions require the following information:
- Name and Email
- Institutional or Community Affiliation
- Professional Title, if applicable
- Indicate whether you are a/an: Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, Professional Student, Community Member, Faculty, Staff, Administrator, or Other
200-word double-spaced description of your proposal, including:
- title
- summary (this will be included in the online conference program)
- discussion of how your presentation relates to the symposium’s theme, and/or a question that you will attempt to answer and/or a call to action
We also ask that you provide a Brief bio (no more than 150 words). This will also be included in the online conference program.
INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION: APPLY HERE
Guidelines for a Submission from a Panel
Complete your submission by applying here no later than November 30, 2021. Submissions require the following information:
- Names and Emails of panelists
- Institutional or Community Affiliations
- Professional Titles, if applicable
- Indicate whether panelists are: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Professional Students, Community Members, Faculty, Staff, Administrators, or Other
250-word double-spaced description of your panel, which includes the following:
- title of panel
- name of panel chair/moderator
- summary (this will be included in the online conference program)
- discussion of how it relates to the symposium’s theme
- question that your panel will attempt to answer and/or a call to action
We ask that you also include a Brief bio (no more than 150 words) of each panel participant.
Panels: Submit your Proposal here.
For questions about The Lemon Project Symposium and/or the Call for Proposals, email Lemon Project Associate Director Sarah Thomas at setho2@wm.edu.
