The University Consortium on Afro-Latin American Studies presents
The ALARI IV Continental Conference on Afro-Latin American Studies
July 22-24
Cali, Colombia, 2026
The Afro-Latin American Research Institute (ALARI), the University Consortium on Afro-Latin American Studies, and the Center for Afrodiasporic Studies (CEAF) at Universidad Icesi are pleased to announce the Fourth Continental Conference on Afro-Latin American Studies, which will take place in 2026. It is an honor to bring this continental event back to South America, this time to the city of Santiago de Cali, Colombia.
– CALL FOR PROPOSALS –
The field of Afro-Latin American Studies is understood “as the study of people of African ancestry in Latin America, and… as the study of the larger societies, in which those people live. Under the first heading, scholars study Black histories, cultures, strategies, and struggles in the region. Under the second, they study blackness, and race more generally, as a category of difference, as an engine of stratification and inequality, and as a key variable in processes of national formation” (Alejandro de la Fuente and George Reid Andrews (eds.), Afro-Latin American Studies: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2018, p. 1).
As such, the field draws on contributions from a wide range of disciplines and is enriched by the intellectual production of activists, program officers, and analysts working within governments and international agencies. We invite researchers; undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students; activists; artists; educators; public officials; policymakers; and other individuals engaged with issues related to the African Diaspora in Latin America to submit their proposals for participation by December 1, 2025 until 23:59 (EST).
We anticipate that the panels will engage with — though not be limited to — the following fields of study/topics, which are considered central to current debates in Afro-Latin American Studies:
1. Afro-Indigenous Relations
2. Afro-Latinx in the United States
3. Afrofeminisms, Gender and Sexuality Studies
4. Anthropology and Ethnographic Studies
5. Architecture and Urbanism
6. Archaeology
7. Art History and Visual Arts
8. Education and Affirmative Action
9. Environmental Justice, Climate Change, and Environmental Studies
10. History of Slavery
11. Inequalities
12. Law and Legal Studies
13. Literature and the Humanities
14. Migratory Studies and Geography
15. Mobilizations, Resistance, and Antiracism
16. Music, Dance, Theater, and Performance
17. Political Science, Public Policy, and Political Representation
18. Public Health
19. Religions and Historical Memory
20. Science, Technology, and Society
21. Sociology
Accepted participants will be notified by April 1st, 2026, and must confirm their attendance by April 15th, 2026. Please note that no modification requests will be permitted after the publication of the final version of the Official Conference Program, which will be released on June 1st, 2026.
To learn more about the application process and how to submit your proposal, please click here:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get in touch with the Conference Team?
The communication is conducted through the website, social media, and email at alari_conference@fas.harvard.edu. Our team is periodically releasing updates and important news via these platforms. We encourage participants to carefully review the information available on these communication channels before contacting the organizing team via email.
How can I submit a proposal for the IV Continental Conference?
You can submit your proposal by filling out the Google Form available in the “Submit your Application” section. Please read all instructions carefully before selecting the type of application and submitting your proposal. No articles, book chapters, working papers, or any kind of publications are required to apply, only an abstract of your proposal.
How many proposals can I submit?
Each participant may submit only one proposal.
If I am applying as a Panel member with a presentation, can I be part of a different pannel submission as a moderator or chair?
Yes. While only one presentation/application is allowed per person, individuals may take on additional roles in the Conference—such as moderator or chair—as long as these do not involve multiple presentations.
When is the submission deadline?
The deadline to submit your proposal is December 1, 2026, until 23:59 (EST)
What is the structure of the Conference? How can I prepare my application and presentation if accepted?
The conference will accommodate presenters in panels that will happen during three days. Each day will be divided into time slots of 90 minutes, during which panel sessions will take place. In each panel, participants will have an estimated time of 10-15 minutes to present. To ensure the smooth running of panels, each room will be supervised by a member of the coordination team.
How are panels and roundtables structured?
During the Conference, participants will present their work orally for an estimated time of 10-15 minutes, followed by a discussion between the panelists and the audience. A conversational tone is recommended, rather than reading directly from the text. Other forms of participation will have a different structure based on the nature of their proposal.
What is the role of the Chair of a panel?
Chairs are responsible for overseeing the full preparation and logistics of the panel, both before and during the Conference. This includes coordinating with panelists ahead of time, managing the session’s structure, introducing each panelist to the audience, and ensuring presentations run smoothly and within the allotted time.
What is the role of the Moderator of a panel?
Moderators of a panel must guide the flow of questions and answers among panelists, ensuring a structured and engaging discussion.
What is the difference between a Panel and a Roundtable?
Panels typically include 3 to 5 participants and focus on individual presentations followed by discussion. Roundtables involve more than 5 participants and are structured as open conversations around a shared theme, with minimal or no formal presentations.
Can I submit a proposal to participate online?
No. Only in-person participation is allowed.
When will I be notified if my proposal was accepted?
Accepted participants will be notified by April 1st, 2026, and must confirm their attendance by April 15th, 2026. If you do not receive any communication from our Team by said date, it means your proposal was not accepted.
Can I request travel aid to participate in the Conference?
No. The Organizing Team does not provide financial assistance for accepted participants. Each participant is responsible for independently organizing their travel. However, we are actively working to secure benefits, discounts, and other forms of support to facilitate attendance. We encourage you to check our website and social media regularly for updates on these opportunities.
