Welcome to A Dream Deferred™: The Future of African American Education Advocacy and Access Community. Regardless of whether you have attended an A Dream Deferred™ conference in the past, you are invited to participate in community discussions. For those who have attended an advocacy and access conference, you may apply for additional access to resources by visiting here.
Conference History: A Glimpse at Our Past
The first A Dream Deferred conference was held in June 2005. The meeting was organized around the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Since its inception, A Dream Deferred has gathered professionals from throughout the nation to guide us as we continue to advocate for African American students.
Writer and social activist Langston Hughes examined the magnitude of unrealized expectations when he asked, “What happens to a dream deferred?” in his famous poem. If students are not given the support, the inspiration, and the help they need to grow academically, they may never realize their full potential. The spirit of Hughes’s question—the urgency to address the needs of African American students—is to the foundation of this conference. In partnership with the leaders who have served this committee over the years, our objective has been to address issues, highlight successful strategies, and engage in action-oriented dialogue to develop new approaches that help our students realize their dreams. Visit the A Dream Deferred website to learn more.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
The A Dream Deferred conference has become a significant gathering of committed change makers working to improve postsecondary access and opportunities for students. At the conference, participants discuss new solutions, share best practices, and collaborate with colleagues to make a difference for students. We are all passionate about this work and committed to providing equal opportunities for African American students.
Let us continue the conversation here and work together to clear a path for African American students to own their future.
