Frequently Asked Questions

+ WHAT IS THE BLACK SOLIDARITY CONFERENCE?

The Black Solidarity Conference (BSC) is an annual conference that seeks to unite undergraduates of Color to discuss issues pertaining to the African Diaspora. Through discussions, panels, networking, and social gatherings, over 700 students from across the country analyze issues affecting our community and explore solutions to undertake at their respective college campuses. We are the largest conference at Yale University, and we are entirely student run. The Conference is hosted annually in February at Yale University in New Haven, CT by the BSC Executive Board.

+ When will the 28th Annual Black Solidarity Conference begin?

The 28th Annual Black Solidarity Conference will be held at Yale University from Jan. 30 - Feb 1, 2025.

+ WHERE WILL THE EVENTS BE HELD?

All of the events will take place in various spaces on and around Yale's campus. Our central location for much of conference will be the Afro-American Cultural Center at 211 Park Street, though panels and workshops take place in other locations. More details regarding specific spaces will be announced as we solidify our schedule!

+ HOW MUCH DOES THE CONFERENCE COST TO ATTEND?

This year's prices are listed on the Registration page of the website! There are three registration phases, Early, Regular and Late. Sign up for our newsletter to get registration updates from BSC. Many student groups receive funding from their school to attend. New to this process? Contact us if you have questions about organizing your own group to attend BSC 2025. Please note that all payments are final, and refunds will not be given. The cost of BSC does not include hotel housing.

+ WHERE CAN WE SLEEP THROUGHOUT THE CONFERENCE?

Yale Housing: Individuals will be placed with Yale Students in dorms, most of whom are also attending the conference. Listed below are a few things to note about Yale Housing:

  • There will be roughly 3-4 participants in each room on average, depending on the size of the room.

  • Many students do have futons and couches, but come prepared with sleeping bags and blankets!

  • We do our best to accommodate group housing requests, but cannot make any promises.

Hotel Housing: Individuals or groups can stay at the Courtyard Marriott at Yale, a 5-minute walk from many BSC events, using the special discount link attached. BSC is not responsible for any individual or group's hotel reservations or hotel fees. These costs must be covered by your own group and you must book your own hotel rooms before conference begins. The two options for rooms are two queen beds or one king bed. The hyperlink provides access to the BSC reduced group rate for this hotel. You will need a valid credit card, contact information for your school, and a school chaperone to book with this hotel.

The other hotel option is the New Haven Hotel, also located in downtown New Haven. Once again, the individual or group is responsible for reserving and paying for rooms at the New Haven Hotel before the conference begins. For booking this option, contact the New Haven Hotel by email (sales@newhavenhotel.com) or by phone (203-498-3140) and mention that you are a part of the Black Solidarity Conference. Your group will be set up with a contract, given you are prepared with a valid credit card, contact information, and a chaperone.

IMPORTANT: If your school wants hotel housing at the Marriott or the New Haven Hotel, you'll need a chaperone (a non-undergraduate adult over the age of 21) to accompany your group. If you don't have a chaperone, your group will be required to deposit $250 at the Marriott. This deposit will be returned upon checkout on Sunday (if there are no damages or noise complaints). If there are damages or noise complaints, then your institution will be banned from BSC indefinitely.

Besides the Marriott, groups may opt to stay in other hotels around New Haven! La Quinta is often a popular choice, as is the Omni Hotel. Look around for the best rates but also be aware of the distance from the hotel to Yale's campus.

+ HOW DO I REGISTER A GROUP?

Register through our website! Early registration opens from October 18th to October 30th. Be sure to catch early registration! Regular registration is October 31st - Dec 4th. Later registration is from Dec 4th to January 16th!

  1. Go to the BSC Registration page, create (or join) a group, and select the number of tickets you would like to purchase

  2. Purchase the tickets and have every member of your group fill out this individual attendees information form!

+ HOW DO I REGISTER IF I'M SENDING A CHECK?

If you're sending a check, you must email us to let us know before the appropriate registration deadline (blacksolidarityconference@gmail.com). As you register, there will be a link for "other payment options" - simply select "Pay By Check." Please note that if your check isn't postmarked by the registration deadline your online registration will be voided, so send your checks in on time!

Checks should be made payable to The Black Solidarity Conference at Yale, and mailed to 55 Whitney Avenue Suite 204, New Haven, CT 06511.

+ WHERE CAN WE BUY OFFICIAL CLOTHING FOR THE CONFERENCE?

BSC 2025 Apparel Updates are Coming Soon! Sign up for our newsletter to find out more.

+ WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

For general inquiries, email blacksolidarityconference@gmail.com. Please email yaleblacksolidarityconference@gmail.com for speakers and business inquiries. For Housing, Marketing, or Outreach concerns, contact bscyale.marketingoutreach@gmail.com.