Future Black Leaders Conference

The Future Black Leaders (FBL) Conference at Brock University celebrates Black students, fostering mentorship, academic success, and community. Centered on Bese Saka themes—Affluence, Power, Abundance, and Unity—it promotes the Scarborough Charter principles through panels, workshops, and presentations, amplifying Black voices and building lasting impact.

2025 Conference

Saturday March 29th

9:00AM-5:00PM

Brock University, Sean O’ Sullivan Theatre (TH SOS)

Call for Proposals

Current Brock students, enrolled in either undergraduate and graduate level programs, can apply to present at the FBL conference.

Students wishing to present at the FBL Conference must submit their Call for Proposals Application to bssc@brocku.ca before the deadline February 7th 2025 at 11:59pm.

Research poster which displays undergraduate or graduate scholarship. 

Showcase your undergraduate or graduate research through a visual and engaging poster presentation. This format allows you to share your findings, connect with attendees, and receive feedback in an interactive setting. There are no restrictions on posters, but they must fit on the provided tack board of 48″w x 36″h.  Posters can be printed through Brock’s Printing Services or in the Brock Library at your own cost.

Need help getting started? Check out this PDF guide developed by Learning Services for practical tips on designing an impactful poster, organizing your content, and preparing for your presentation.

Presentation and knowledge sharing on research or paper (30 minutes).

This format provides an opportunity for participants to present their academic research or scholarly papers in a structured 30-minute session. Presenters can share key findings, explore theoretical frameworks, and highlight the significance of their work within the context of the conference themes: Affluence, Power, Abundance, and Unity.

Each presentation encourages active dialogue with the audience, fostering an exchange of ideas and insights that can inform future research, inspire collaboration, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences and achievements of Black scholars. Presenters are invited to share their unique perspectives and engage with attendees through thought-provoking interactive discussions and Q&A sessions.

Workshop or activity which is knowledge mobilization focused (45 minutes).  

This format invites participants to design and lead a 45-minute interactive session aimed at translating research and ideas into actionable knowledge. Workshops or activities in this category emphasize the practical application of concepts related to the conference themes: Affluence, Power, Abundance, and Unity.

Facilitators are encouraged to create engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire participants to explore new skills, strategies, or perspectives. These sessions may include collaborative exercises, group discussions, or interactive demonstrations that connect academic theories to real-world practices.

The goal is to empower attendees with tools and insights they can apply in their personal, academic, or professional lives, fostering innovation, leadership, and advocacy within the broader Black community. Facilitators should aim to create an inclusive, dynamic environment that encourages participation and knowledge exchange.

A panel talk with 2-4 speakers and audience Q&A (10-15 minutes/speaker).

A panel of 2-4 speakers presents diverse insights on themes like Affluence, Power, Abundance, and Unity, with each speaker sharing for 10-15 minutes. This is followed by an audience Q&A, fostering dialogue and deeper engagement. Panel talks highlight collective expertise, inspire action, and encourage meaningful participation.

Conference Information

The conference welcomes students, staff, faculty, and community members to come together in celebration and learning. Students are encouraged to support their peers and take advantage of this opportunity to grow academically and professionally. The FBL Conference offers a dynamic space to network, engage with the community, and be inspired by the achievements of Black scholars, all while building a platform for future success.

Schedule at a Glance

TimeEventLocation
9:00 am to 10:00 amRegistration and Opening Remarks
10:00 am to 11:30 amPoster Presentations
11:30 am to 12:30 pmPresentations
12:30 pm to 1:30 pmNetworking Lunch
1:30 pm to 3:00 pmWorkshops and interactive sessions
3:00 pm to 4:30pmExpert panel discussions and Q&A
4:30 pm to 5:00 pmClosing Remarks and Raffle