We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For:

Using Black Sociological Thought as a tool of Liberation

56th Annual Conference

of the Association of Black Sociologists 

August 6-8, 2026

Westin New York Grand Central Hotel

212 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

From its inception in 1970, ABS has served as a bastion of excellence, upholding the rigor of both intellectual and community-oriented engagement, while centering the research of the experiences of Black lives both nationally and globally, using sociological thought and methods to study race, social institutions, intersectionality, and the experiences of Black lives. The theme for the 56th Annual ABS Conference encourages us all to revisit the relationship between theory and practice through our research and collective action. We invite paper panels, roundtable discussions, book talks, workshops, teaching symposiums, and posterboard presentations, highlighting the call of using “Black Sociological Thought as a Tool of Liberation.” The aim is to advance and deepen an understanding of how our work may strengthen Black scholarship, liberatory practices, and Black communities across the world. Submissions may explore how our work can liberate Black lives from social inequities, structural inequalities, and institutional harm; How we may strengthen our interpersonal relationships, spaces, and communities. How can we highlight the impact of resistance practices in our organizational efforts, and individual practices, while also reimagining and acknowledging the multidimensional realities of Black culture? Lastly, how do we move past rhetoric, and advance new intellectual thought and action to honor our past and build for the future? Join us, as we convene in community, share our knowledge and research, and come together to engage, build, and grow in unity through the ABS tradition of scholarship, community, and service.

Presenters are strongly encouraged to be current ABS members but it is not required to submit an abstract or register. Presenters are required to register. If registration is not paid by July 6, 2026, your name will be removed from the final program. 

Membership renewal can be completed online here. 

Conference Registration:
Conference registration is separate from annual membership.

Conference participants and/or attendees are required to register for the conference. 

Registrations are not transferable or refundable.

E-mail: absociologists@gmail.com
Twitter and Instagram: @ABSociologists
Facebook: Association of Black Sociologists

We look forward to seeing you in New York!