NOW ANNOUNCING

Black Literacy Matters® Conference 2027

THE BLUEPRINT: THIS IS THE WAY

“Reclaiming the Methods That Built Black Literacy—And Rebuilding Them Again”

March 17–20, 2027 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, Nebraska

Join us for the 4th Annual Black Literacy Matters® Conference — a national gathering of parents, educators, researchers, policymakers, literacy advocates, community leaders, and international partners committed to changing the trajectory of Black student literacy for the first time since post-slavery gains.

This year’s conference features:

• Nationally renowned keynote speakers & featured researchers
• Structured literacy, dyslexia, and African American English tracks
• Parent advocacy, training, and community mobilization sessions
• Policy and legislative strategy rooms
• Exhibitors, literacy vendors, children’s book authors & resource partners
• International literacy voices from Ghana, Kenya, and the African diaspora
• The Black Literacy “You Matter” Awards
• Networking, movement-building, and collective action for literacy justice

Our Mission

The mission of Black Literacy Matters® is to improve literacy outcomes through evidence-based, structured literacy practices that strengthen foundational reading skills and support students who have been historically underserved due to instructional gaps, disability, or limited access to effective literacy instruction.

Grounded in the science of reading, Black Literacy Matters® works to equip educators, families, and communities with the knowledge, tools, and instructional strategies necessary to ensure students develop strong decoding, language, and comprehension skills. While our work acknowledges the disproportionate impact of literacy failure on Black students, the instructional practices we advance are designed to benefit all learners.

Through professional learning, advocacy, and systems-level engagement, Black Literacy Matters® is committed to:

• Promoting structured literacy and dyslexia-informed instruction

• Supporting educators with practical, research-aligned tools

• Addressing persistent literacy disparities through instructional excellence

• Strengthening literacy systems that lead to improved student outcomes

By focusing on literacy where the need has been greatest, Black Literacy Matters® contributes to a broader goal: ensuring every student has access to instruction that supports reading proficiency, academic success, and meaningful participation in education and beyond.