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Black & Latinx Summit

The Black and Latinx Summit is an annual conference and summit that seeks to bring students from all intersections into a shared space to learn and connect. This focus is an intentional understanding of the traumas that communities of color in the United States have faced both historically and contemporarily. It is also cognizant of the strides we take each day to heal our wounds and better prepare us for the next change in our circumstances. By creating this space, we hope others will join us in exploring the landscape of our communities and finding ways to make us stronger as a collective.

Register for the 2025 Black & Latinx Summit

External Group Registration

The external group registration form is for attendees bringing a group from outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to the 2025 Black and Latinx Summit.
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2025 Black & Latinx Summit header image with theme text 'Community. Empowerment. Solidarity. Revolutionizing and Reconstructing Solidarity: Hasta Liberacion

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2025 Summit Details

Revolutionizing and Reconstructing Solidarity: Hasta Liberación

Community. Empowerment. Solidarity.

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Call for Sponsors

Submit the Sponsorship Form

 
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2025 Theme

The theme "Revolutionizing and Reconstructing Solidarity: Hasta Liberación" is focused on the process of redefining and reinforcing solidarity within and across communities that share a history of resistance and oppression. This involves exploring the concept of "reconstructing," which emphasizes the "re" aspect—not merely building something new but revisiting, re-evaluating, and restoring a collective commitment to support one another in the fight for liberation.

The theme encourages an examination of the historical significance of resistance in marginalized communities and aims to inspire a renewed dedication to solidarity. This solidarity is not passive but an active stance of standing together, supporting each other’s struggles, and recognizing the interconnectedness of these fights for justice.

Furthermore, the theme invites a discussion on what liberation means for various communities, particularly in contexts where oppression is ongoing. Examples include Palestine, Puerto Rico, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the concept of liberation holds specific and urgent significance. By focusing on these regions, the theme highlights a global perspective, underscoring that the journey towards freedom and justice is shared across borders, cultures, and identities.

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2025 Schedule

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

Time Session
9:30–10:00 a.m. Check-In / Breakfast
10:00–10:20 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:30–11:20 a.m. Breakout Session One
11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Keynote Address
12:20–1:20 p.m. Lunch and Performances
1:20–2:20 p.m. Poster Presentations and Networking
2:30–3:20 p.m. Breakout Session Two
3:40–4:00 p.m. Reflection
4:00–4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
4:45–5:45 p.m. Optional Cultural Center Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the registration cost for the Black & Latinx Summit?

Registration for the summit is cost free for all participants.

What should I wear to the Black & Latinx Summit?

We encourage you to dress for success in what makes you feel most comfortable and confident and do not have a required dress code. The suggested dress code is smart casual. Examples of smart casual are button-downs, blouses, jeans/chinos/khakis, dresses/skirts, and layers such as blazers/sweaters/cardigans.

What should I bring to the Black & Latinx Summit?

We encourage you to bring essentials for a successful day of connecting and learning. This includes your preferred form of notetaking, a water bottle, gum/mints, fidget toys, or anything else you may need. All participants will receive a notebook, pen, and program guide upon check-in.

What meals will be provided at the Black & Latinx summit?

A warm breakfast and lunch are provided to all BLS Participants. Light refreshments will be available during the BLS Social.

Where is the Black & Latinx Summit?

The entirety of the summit will take place at the I-Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S First Street, Champaign, IL 61820.

Where can I park at the I-Hotel & Conference Center?

On-site parking is free for all Black & Latinx Summit Participants at the I-Hotel & Conference Center.

Parking Instructions: Enter the lot on the I-Hotel's north side off St. Mary’s Rd across from the State Farm Center. Placing 111 St Mary's Rd into G PS will direct to the correct lot. Enter the west wing doors under the overhang.

How do I get to the I-Hotel & Conference Center?

From On-campus

  • Champaign-Urbana MTD Routes/Stop Information: First at iHotel
    • 100 Yellow North/South
    • 14 Navy East/West
    • 24 Teal Link North/South
  • Free shuttles will also be provided for students from about 8:30-10:00 AM and again after the social. Shuttle schedule coming soon!
  • The i-Hotel & Conference Center is 1.4 Miles (32 min walk) away from BNAACC and La Casa on Nevada Street.

From Off-Campus

Driving Directions

  • From Chicago, IL
    • Take I-290 W and I-88 W: Head southwest on I-290 W toward I-88 W. Follow signs for Interstate 88 West/Aurora. Merge onto I-88 W: Merge onto I-88 W and continue driving westward. Continue on I-88 W: Stay on I-88 W for approximately 127 miles. Take Exit 184 for IL-130/High Cross Rd: As you approach Champaign, take Exit 184 for IL-130/High Cross Rd.Continue on IL-130 S: After exiting, continue driving south on IL-130 S.Turn left onto University Ave: After approximately 1.5 miles on IL-130 S, turn left onto University Ave. Arrive at the I-Hotel and Conference Center: After turning onto University Ave, continue for about 0.7 miles. The I-Hotel and Conference Center will be on your right-hand side, located at 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820.
  • From Indianapolis, IN
    • Take I-74 W: Head west on I-74 W from Indianapolis. You'll need to merge onto I-74 W from whichever point you start in Indianapolis. Continue on I-74 W: Stay on I-74 W for approximately 100 miles. Merge onto I-57 N toward Chicago: Near Urbana, Illinois, merge onto I-57 N toward Chicago. Take Exit 237 for US-45 toward Rantoul/Urbana: After about 10 miles on I-57 N, take Exit 237 for US-45 toward Rantoul/Urbana. Turn left onto US-45 N/S Dunlap Ave: After exiting, turn left onto US-45 N/S Dunlap Ave. Continue onto US-45 BUS N/N Neil St: After approximately 6 miles, continue onto US-45 BUS N/N Neil St. Turn right onto E University Ave: After about 1.5 miles, turn right onto E University Ave. Arrive at the I-Hotel and Conference Center: Continue on University Ave for about 0.7 miles. The I-Hotel and Conference Center will be on your right-hand side, located at 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820.
    • Please be aware that ongoing construction on I-74 may result in exit closures and delays, necessitating the use of local roads or alternative access routes.
  • From St. Louis, MO
    • Take I-55 N and I-55 N/I-64 E: Head north on I-55 N from St. Louis. After a short distance, merge onto I-55 N/I-64 E.Continue on I-55 N/I-64 E: Stay on I-55 N/I-64 E for approximately 60 miles. Merge onto I-55 N toward Chicago: Near Collinsville, Illinois, merge onto I-55 N toward Chicago.Merge onto I-72 E/US-36 E via Exit 157 toward Decatur/Springfield: After driving on I-55 N for about 60 miles, take Exit 157 for I-72 E/US-36 E toward Decatur/Springfield. Continue on I-72 E: Stay on I-72 E for approximately 80 miles. You'll pass through Decatur and eventually approach Champaign.Merge onto I-57 N via Exit 182A toward Chicago: Near Champaign, merge onto I-57 N via Exit 182A toward Chicago. Take Exit 237 for US-45 toward Rantoul/Urbana: After about 10 miles on I-57 N, take Exit 237 for US-45 toward Rantoul/Urbana. Turn left onto US-45 N/S Dunlap Ave: After exiting, turn left onto US-45 N/S Dunlap Ave. Continue onto US-45 BUS N/N Neil St: After approximately 6 miles, continue onto US-45 BUS N/N Neil St. Turn right onto E University Ave: After about 1.5 miles, turn right onto E University Ave. Arrive at the I-Hotel and Conference Center: Continue on University Ave for about 0.7 miles. The I-Hotel and Conference Center will be on your right-hand side, located at 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820.

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Black & Latinx Summit Archive

Access archived information from past BLS events.

Access the BLS Archive