Hosted by the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice and NAISI, this two-day symposium and gathering provided an opportunity for regional Black and Indigenous community historians, scholars, storytellers and educators to collectively engage with critical questions focused on higher education curricula related to Black and Indigenous histories and pedagogical approaches to teaching these histories. The focus of this event was knowledge sharing from within Black and Indigenous communities.

“In Conversation” was a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and discussion across a number of areas: between and across disciplines, with and among academics and non-academics, and including a range of participants from many professional and personal backgrounds. The perfect blend of academic research and locally-held knowledge, this two-day gathering and symposium provided an atmosphere that fostered listening and learning above all else. NAISI was pleased to have partnered with the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice to make this event a reality and to provide a space that was inviting, open and collaborative. We not only learned much about the history of the Southern New England area through the presentations shared at the event, but also about pedagogy and meaningful engagement with various audiences. The foundation created through this gathering for engagement and dialogue with Black and Indigenous peoples across the region will provide future opportunities to expand our knowledge across Brown University and beyond.