Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education

The 53rd Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education was held on June 13 – 14, 2024 and was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh.
 
Pittsburgh’s rich history in education and nickname “The City of Bridges” helped influence this year’s conference theme: “Defenders of the Bridge: Preserving DEI Policies for Community Success.” Along with our captivating sessions and speakers, we aimed to build bridges amongst each other throughout the conference, along with the opportunity to learn with, and from, one another.

We are excited to continue the fundamental mission of PBCOHE; ensuring equal education for African Americans and other underrepresented populations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This mission and PBCOHE were established 54 years ago by our founder the late Honorable K. Leroy Irvis. Over the years, the mission and PBCOHE have continued to evolve, and this year’s conference was a vital part of that growth.

Higher Education, specifically Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, programs, and practices in higher education, have long been the bridge that has helped marginalized groups cross over to success and help our communities thrive. As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and practices around the country continue to become negatively targeted by legislation, we, as higher education practitioners and advocates, need to protect the policies and programs that help our students succeed.

​Thank you for participating in this year's conference, and we hope that you left  encouraged, enlightened, and excited to continue the work!
 
2024 Conference Planning Committee
Isaac Leonard, M.A.
Conference Chair