Souls of Du Bois Symposium 2026
“Knowledge, Freedom & Healing in Changing Times”
February 26–27, 2026 | University of Pennsylvania
About the Symposium
Now in its 33rd year, the Souls of Du Bois Symposium celebrates the enduring legacy of scholar and activist Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois through critical dialogue, research, and community engagement.
Each year, the symposium convenes students, faculty, alumni, and community members to explore themes of race, justice, liberation, and the transformative power of knowledge. The 2026 theme, “Knowledge, Freedom & Healing in Changing Times,” invites participants to reflect on how education, activism, and collective healing shape a just and equitable society.
Conference Dates and Locations
Thursday, February 26, 2026
📍 Reception & Keynote | 6:00–8:30 PM | W.E.B. Du Bois College House – 3900 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104
Friday, February 27, 2026
📍 Full-Day Sessions | 9:00 AM–3:30 PM | Gutmann College House, 211 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia PA 19104
Featuring keynote addresses, faculty-led panels, and student research roundtables moderated by W.E.B. Du Bois Faculty Fellows.
Registration is required for participation.
Student Abstract Submissions
Undergraduate and graduate students from Penn and local universities are invited to submit a 250-word abstract to present their research at the 2026 Symposium.
Selected students will deliver a 20-minute presentation of their work and receive feedback from W.E.B. Du Bois Faculty Members during the Symposium.
Poster Funding: Limited funding may be available for printing costs if a research poster is needed or requested.
- Submission Opens: Monday, November 10, 2025
- Submission Closes: Saturday, December 14, 2025
Register to Attend the Symposium
Registration for the Souls of Du Bois Symposium goes live on Monday, November 10, 2025.
About W.E.B. Du Bois College House
Founded in 1972, the W.E.B. Du Bois College House at the University of Pennsylvania is a four-year residential community committed to intellectual engagement, social justice, and the celebration of the African Diaspora. The Souls of Du Bois Symposium stands as one of its signature programs, amplifying scholarship and dialogue across generations.
Questions?
📧 Email: dubois@collegehouses.upenn.edu