UofL Conference on the Black Family features workshops, famed speakers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Dr. Joseph McMillan National Conference on the Black Family in America will celebrate its 45th year Feb. 23-24 at the Louisville Central Community Center, 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

The conference, which includes numerous workshops and a banquet and brunch, will focus this year on the theme "Elevating the Health and Safety of the Black Family and Community." 

The Feb. 23 keynote speaker is Melissa Harris-Perry, the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University, former host of the MSNBC show “Melissa Harris-Perry” and former editor of Elle.com.

The Feb. 24 brunch keynote speaker is Sybrina Fulton, who has dedicated her life to transforming family tragedy into social change following the violent death of her 17-year-old son Trayvon Martin in 2012. Last year, Fulton released “Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin,” the book she co-authored with Tracy Martin that shares the story of her son’s life and death and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dr. Joseph McMillan, a University of Louisville administrator for 30 years and a community activist, founded the conference, which was renamed in his honor in 2010.

Click here for a full schedule of events. Registration is required in advance and must be completed by Feb. 12. There will be no on-site registration. Registration for the full conference is $200. Tickets for individual days are $125. Reduced registration rates are available for students. Banquet and brunch tables may be purchased as well.  

For more information about the conference, call 502-852-6656, email bfc@louisville.edu or visit the UofL Cultural Center’s website.

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