HU Hosts 43rd Annual Black Family Conference

By: Nadia Commodore and Sherice Jones

Campus bustled this past week as Hampton University’s School of Liberal Arts and Education hosted its 43rd annual Conference on The Black Family. 

The conference brought together a diverse group of scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Held from Mar. 19-21, the theme was “From Chaos to Community: Elevating Black Families – Actualizing the Vision of the Beloved Community.” The events included an opening ceremony with keynote speaker Derek R. Lewis, HU alumnus and member of the Hampton University Board of Trustees, and several workshops touching on themes ranging from supporting healthy black marriages to the impact of the Christian church on the Black community. 

For over four decades, Hampton University’s Conference on the Black Family has served as a forum for exploring the resilience and progress of Black families. The 2025 event showcased this by featuring panel discussions, plenary sessions, and workshops addressing critical issues such as financial literacy, health disparities, educational achievement, and the importance of Black fatherhood. 

A signature moment of the conference was the honoring of RaaShaun “DJ Envy” and Gia Casey for their dedication to mental health advocacy, financial literacy, and economic empowerment. According to the official Hampton University Instagram page, the event honored the Caseys with the Black Family of the Year Award during the opening ceremony. DJ Envy, an HU alum, was not only honored by the award, but moved by the event itself.

“The ceremony warmed our hearts and was truly amazing. The inspiring sentiment, powerful spoken word, and the beautiful slideshow knocked us off our feet. It was our privilege to be amongst such greatness,” said the Caseys via their respective Instagram accounts.  

Keynote speaker and Hampton Trustee Derek Lewis, a former PepsiCo executive and author of “Survive + Advance: Lessons on Living a Life Without Compromise,” shared insights on education, corporate leadership, and fostering economic mobility. Lewis expressed via his Instagram gratitude for the opportunity to return to Hampton for his address. 

“As a proud Hamptonian,” he said, “speaking at my alma mater about the power of Black families feels like divine timing. From watching my son create his own legacy of love to sharing wisdom with the next generation, this moment reflects everything I believe about family and community,” he said.

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, stating: 

“The Annual Conference on the Black Family remains a cornerstone of Hampton University’s commitment to fostering scholarship, advocacy, and action that uplifts Black families. This year’s focus on legacy and economic empowerment is especially timely as we work to ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools needed to thrive.” 

Students who attended the conference were inspired by the knowledge and experiences shared by the speakers. Kyla Bryant, a sophomore majoring in psychology, was inspired by the words of the keynote speech.

  “Hearing from leaders like Derek Lewis gave me a new perspective on building generational wealth. It motivated me to think bigger about how I can help my own community,” said Bryant.  

Similarly, Jordan Carter, a finance major, reflected on the emotional impact of the event.

“The conversations about Black fatherhood and mental health really resonated with me. It made me think about the importance of breaking generational cycles and creating healthier family dynamics,” said Carter. 

Malikah Herring, first-year pre-nursing major and attendee of the conference, shared that she felt the event was necessary for the Black community to be a part of.

  “Black people can succeed in life and create a happy and successful black family. We just need to believe in one another,” said Herring.

The conference concluded with a closing luncheon featuring an address from Baptist Minister Rev. Dr. Deforest Black “Buster” Soaries, Jr. who spoke about the importance of restoring the Black community and encouraged attendees to go forward with hopeful intentions. 

The annual conference draws a diverse crowd every year, and all students, faculty, and guests are welcome.