Black New England Conference: Social Media and African American Experience

Ellen Perrault

The 19th Annual Black New England Conference (BNEC) will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester, NH.

The event focuses on the intersection of social media and the African American experience, via the lens of Black influencers. With the nation’s 250th anniversary fast approaching, the conference’s focus falls upon what progress has (or hasn’t) been made. 

A panel of social media influencers will come together at BNEC to share their perspectives on how far African Americans have come, the challenges that remain, and the paths forward in areas such as education, economic disparities, political disenfranchisement, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment. 

The keynote conversation at BNEC will feature Atlanta-based media personality Lynae Vanee. An activist, entrepreneur, and social media star, Vanee uses her platform to advocate for social justice and amplify Black voices. With the conference’s focus on the resilience of Black voices throughout America’s history, Lynae Vanee is the perfect fit to deliver a great keynote at BNEC 2025. As part of the conversation, Vanee will be interviewed by actor and TV news host Shannon LaNier. 

“Having Lynae Vanee as our keynote presenter is such a joy,” BHTNH Senior Program Director Quinci Worthey said. “She is a powerhouse of an individual through and through. I’m excited to witness her insights firsthand through a fireside chat format.” 

Vanee is a graduate of Spelman College (B.A. in Psychology) and Boston University (M.A. in African American Studies), Vanee moved from the classroom into the digital space, merging scholarly insight with cultural critique. 

Vanee is The Creator of “Parking Lot Pimpin,’” a viral Instagram series that is filmed in parking lots with a folding chair and teacup. It became a platform for highlighting overlooked Black history and unpacking current events with poetic clarity. Her signature line, “I’ma keep it Black, but I’ma keep it brief,” exemplifies her blend of brevity and substance. 

Born in Atlanta, Vanee’s  influence stretches across education, entertainment, and activism. Vanee also founded the self-care brand VANE, rooted in her Gullah Geechee heritage, and has partnered with individuals and organizations like Kamala Harris, Netflix, and Tommy Hilfiger (representation via Issa Rae’s ColorCreative). She is also a multiple NAACP Image Award nominee. 

Follow this link to learn more about BNEC. You can register now for in-person or virtual attendance at https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/black-new-england-conference-2025/  . Attendance is $95 for in-person, including a luncheon (Early Bird rate of $75 until 8/31). Virtual attendance is $45. 

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire  (BHTNH) is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. It works to visibly honor and share a truer, more inclusive history through exhibits, educational programs, curriculum development and tours that can change the way our country understands human dignity when it is free of historical stereotypes. The statewide Black Heritage Trail connects the stories of New Hampshire’s African heritage by documenting and making visible many of the sites that testify to this rich history. For more information please call the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire at (603) 570-8469; or send an email to info@blackheritagetrailnh.org.