Held every February during Black History Month, the conference brings internationally renowned scholars to campus to present their work and engage with faculty, staff, students, alumni and Twin Cities residents. It seeks to highlight the links between scholarship, activism and civic engagement.

Each year a different theme is selected based on pertinent issues.

2013 Conference

The American Studies Department at Macalester College is honored to host the Fourteenth Annual American Studies Conference, “Alternatives in a Changing Food World.”

Conference Details

2012 Conference

The American Studies Department at Macalester College is honored to host the Thirteenth Annual American Studies Conference, “Economic Justice in the 21st Century.”

Conference Details

2011 Conference

The American Studies Department at Macalester College is honored to host the Twelfth Annual American Studies Conference, “The World in Crisis: What Is to Be Done?”

2010 Conference

"Challenging Racial Inequality in Our Schools." As a leading urban sociologist, Pedro Noguera examines how schools are influenced by social and economic conditions in the urban environment. What are the challenges they face in providing safe, academically rewarding environments? What is the state of race relations, racial inequality? What is the role of diversity? What is the impact of violence, parents, and school vouchers?