We are incredibly excited to announce that the inaugural James McCune Smith (JMS) Annual Conference will take place on 7-8 June 2023 at the University of Glasgow.  

The conference will be chaired by the JMS scholars and feature inspiring speakers from the Black community, as well as providing an important opportunity for the scholars to share their work. It will run over two days with Day Two following an ‘unconference’ format to challenge traditional ways of presenting work and ideas in academia. This will be delivered in collaboration with the Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies. Also, at the conference, the new JMS Network which invites Black UK/international speakers to discuss their work with scholars/academics will be launched.

The conference will be opened by the Director of the Beniba Centre, Dr Peggy Brunache. Lunch will be provided on both days.  Further information about our speakers will be available shortly.

Please follow us on twitter @uofgjmsphd for conference announcements!

Day 1 - 7 June

9.30 Registration
10.00 Welcome address - Dr Peggy Brunache
10.15 Guest Speaker - Dr Addy Adelaine
10.45 JMS Scholar Presentations
11.05 Break
11.25 Guest speaker - Dr Maria Augusta Arruda
11.55 JMS Scholar Presentations
12.15 Guest speaker - Dr Mykaell Riley
12.45 Lunch & Posters
13.45 JMS Scholar Presentations
14.00 Guest speaker - Professor Richard Oreffo
14.30 Break
14.50 JMS Scholar Presentations
15.10 Guest speaker - Dr Ruby Zelzer
15.40 Break
16.00 Guest speaker - Dr Shantel George
16.30 Intro to JMS Network
16.35 Panel event
17.35 Drinks reception & buffet

Day 2 - 8 June 

10.00 Registration/Coffee
10.30 Welcome address with Sir Geoff Palmer
10.45 Activity 1 – The Black British Experience through Music
11.15 Activity 2 - Engaging with the natural environment
12.00 Break
12.20 Activity 3 - Vodou drumming ceremony
13.20 Picnic lunch
14.00 Activity 4– Fashion: Obaa Sima Dress
14.30 Activity 5 – Soil Science
15.00 Activity 6 – The Science of Sound
15.30 Closing Address