Association for Ethnic Studies
54th Annual National Conference
About the Conference
The Association for Ethnic Studies (AES) brings together scholars, educators, students, artists, activists, and community organizers for its 54th Annual National Conference, hosted by the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State LA.
Under the theme For the People: A Loving Defense for Ethnic Studies, the conference explores the role of Ethnic Studies in confronting historical and contemporary systems of inequality, protecting marginalized voices, and advancing community-based scholarship and social transformation.
Through scholarly presentations, panel discussions, workshops, artistic expression, and community engagement, participants will examine strategies for defending and strengthening Ethnic Studies in K–12 schools, higher education, and beyond.
Explore the Conference
Plan your conference experience with the complete schedule of presentations, workshops, plenary sessions, and special events.
Conference Schedule
Browse the day-by-day schedule, including presentation titles, speakers, session times, and campus locations.
Full Conference Program
Explore the official conference program, including featured speakers, special events, conference information, and presentations.
Conference Highlights
Thursday, October 15
Dual B.A. Degree Program Launch Celebration
Celebrate the launch of Cal State LA's dual bachelor's degree pathways connecting Ethnic Studies and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Featuring Dr. Alejandra Marchevsky and Dr. May Fu.
3–4 p.m.
University Club
Thursday, October 15
Opening Reception
The conference opens with remarks, cultural performances, music, and an art conversation featuring actor and activist Ryan Jamaal Swain and Rhonda Sewell.
4 p.m.
Golden Eagle Ballroom
Friday, October 16
Opening Plenary
Perspectives on Administrative Leadership in Ethnic Studies
A discussion bringing together academic leaders to explore leadership and the future of Ethnic Studies.
9:15–10:15 a.m.
Golden Eagle Ballroom
Saturday, October 17
College of Ethnic Studies Conversation
Representatives from Cal State LA and San Francisco State University come together for a conversation about their Colleges of Ethnic Studies.
1:40–2:40 p.m.
Golden Eagle Ballroom
Conference at a Glance
The three-day gathering includes presentations, plenary discussions, workshops, performances, and opportunities for community engagement.
October 15
- 3 p.m.: On-site registration, Golden Eagle Ballroom
- 3–4 p.m.: Dual B.A. Degree Program Launch Celebration, University Club
- 4 p.m.: Opening reception, Golden Eagle Ballroom
October 16
- 8:15 a.m.: Welcome and continental breakfast
- 9:15 a.m.: Opening plenary
- 10:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.: Concurrent presentation sessions
- 1:30 p.m.: Keynote and awards luncheon
- 2:30 p.m.: Afternoon plenary
- 3:45 p.m.: Concurrent presentation sessions
October 17
- 8 a.m.: Continental breakfast
- 9:30 a.m.: Morning plenary
- 10:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.: Concurrent presentation sessions
- 1:40 p.m.: Cal State LA and San Francisco State Ethnic Studies College Conversation
- 2:45 p.m.: Afternoon plenary
- 4:15 p.m.: Concurrent presentation sessions
Program information: Concurrent presentations take place in multiple campus locations, including the Golden Eagle Ballroom, University-Student Union, King Hall, and University Library.
For individual presentation titles, presenters, and room assignments, view the complete conference schedule .
Special Programming
8th House Healing Justice Space and Integration Lounge
A dedicated space for healing justice, collective care, reflection, and rest. The 8th House offers opportunities for creative expression, sensory experiences, and community-centered healing practices.
University Library North, Community Room
Youth and Community Engagement
Conference programming includes presentations and workshops highlighting youth voices, community-based education, and approaches to teaching Ethnic Studies across K–12 and higher education.
Hosted by Cal State LA's College of Ethnic Studies
Established in 2019, Cal State LA's College of Ethnic Studies was the first such college established at a university in the United States in 50 years.
Home to the departments of Asian and Asian American Studies, Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies, and Pan-African Studies, the college advances interdisciplinary scholarship, community engagement, and critical examination of the histories, cultures, and experiences of communities of color.
About the Association for Ethnic Studies
Founded in the early 1970s, the Association for Ethnic Studies supports interdisciplinary scholarship, teaching, and community engagement centered on the histories, experiences, and perspectives of historically marginalized communities.
Through its annual conference and other initiatives, AES fosters dialogue among educators, researchers, students, and community members.