2026 National Civil Rights Conference
Greeting!
The sponsors of the 15th Annual National Civil Rights Conference cordially invite you to participate in the 2026 Conference, which will be held in Detroit, Michigan, commencing on Thursday, June 18.
This three-day event will offer a comprehensive program including presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and keynote sessions centered on critical themes such as human and civil rights, social justice, STEAM education, civic and global engagement, technology literacy, leadership development, and social equity. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit prominent cultural landmarks, including the Motown Museum and the Detroit Institute of Arts, as well as engage in youth programs tailored for various age groups.
Further information about conference activities, registration procedures, and accommodations is available at https://civilrightsconference.com.
Please note that the deadline for submission of paper, panel, and artistic production proposals has been extended to May 1, 2026. Submissions must include the title of the paper, panel, or artistic work; author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s); ≤ 250-word abstract; and contact information. All proposals should be submitted electronically to kdparker@civilrightsconference.com.
meet the 2025 Recipients
Jessica Fortune Barker
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Jessica Fortune Barker
Judge Rachel Bell
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Jessica Fortune Barker
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Jimmy Garland
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Dr. Dianna Hollins
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Honorable Lonnell Matthews, Jr.
Reverend Horace L. Sheffield, III
Reverend Horace L. Sheffield, III
Reverend Horace L. Sheffield, III
Reverend James "Tex" Thomas
Reverend Horace L. Sheffield, III
Reverend Horace L. Sheffield, III
Debi Ghate
Debi Ghate is President of Steadfast and Executive Fellow at the State Policy Network, also directing George Mason University’s "Voices for Liberty" program. A former civil litigator in Canada, she has held leadership roles at the Ayn Rand Institute, Charles Koch Foundation, Anthem Foundation, Snider Foundation, and Philanthropy Roundtable. Steadfast supports nonprofits defending individual rights and strong communities. She serves on several national boards and holds degrees from the University of Toronto and University of Calgary.
Dr. M. Christopher Brown
Dr. M. Christopher Brown, II is the Executive Director and Research Scientist of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. A global scholar on education, policy, governance, and racial dynamics, he has delivered 400+ presentations across six continents. He founded the Atwood Institute and led the UNCF’s Patterson Research Institute. His work, focused on social equity and HBCUs, has earned support from major foundations and produced 20 books and 100+ scholarly works. Dr. Brown is a two-time Philip C. Chinn Book Award winner and recipient of multiple early career honors.
Dr. Dianna Hollins
Dr. Dianna Hollins, a Bessemer, Alabama native now residing in Macon, Georgia, is an international speaker, author, and educational leader. With over 20 years in education, she holds degrees in education and leadership from the University of Alabama, University of West Alabama, and Nova Southeastern University. She has authored six books, developed 24 leadership and spiritual curricula, and founded multiple organizations including Dr. Dianna Global Enterprises and the S.O.S. Women Network, which has impacted over 8,000 lives. A recognized apostolic voice and overseer of The House of Shekinah Glory, she has traveled extensively, empowering audiences worldwide, and was named one of Middle Georgia’s Top Ten Female Pastors for her innovation and impact.
Gary Wilson
Gary Wilson is the Assistant Commissioner at the Tennessee Department of Human Services.