The theme of this year’s conference is Authentic Intelligence: Reclaiming Agency and Daring to Dream Beyond
"When technology and artificial intelligence have the opportunity to limit our voices, creativity, and dreaming, we must dare to dream differently. Hip Hop has taught us that being our authentic selves and acknowledging the vastness of power we have is the way to lay claim to the future. Whether you are Breakin’ ground with your new ideas or just scratchin’ the surface, this is a reminder that we have all we need to build the world we want. With this, we invite high school and undergraduate students to submit proposals to present workshops, performances, research papers, and artwork highlighting the creativity, flow, connection that centers our humanity and propels us to dream beyond the current boundaries. Let's put the 'I' back in A.I. "
Proposals will be accepted until 11:59pm on Friday, February 27th at hhyra.org
Applicants for the 2026 HHYRA Conference can propose one or more of one of the following:
30 or 60 -minute workshop (interactive session that teaches/explores an idea or skill)
Visual Art (one or more pieces that you can bring with you to be displayed at the conference)
30 or 60- minute Symposium (An informative session with one or more research presentations)
Proposals should align with the goals and theme of the conference and should detail what will happen during the session and what participants might expect to learn.
For questions, contact hhyraconference@gmail.com.
Students whose proposals are accepted will be invited to the virtual Pre-Conference Leadership Training Institute (Date TBA).
Name; Email; City and State of Primary Residence; Age or Year in School; Co-presenters (if any)
Choose one of the three Submission Types:
Workshop
This is an interactive activity that will be held for 30 or 60 minutes. It should have clear learning goals or takeaways.
Symposium
This is a 30 or 60- minute session in which individual presentations are shared, including papers, projects, research, films, etc. Each session should include a Q&A or dialogue with the audience.
Visual Art
This is a piece of original art that you will bring to the conference to be displayed in the conference gallery. (Note: You will need to bring your own easel or display tools.)
Proposal strands that your submission addresses either:
Poetry | Music | Writing | Rap | Theatre | Art | Research |Leadership
Media Literacy | A/V Production | Advocacy | Healing/Self-Care | Dance
After selecting the proposal type, include details below:
Title
Description
Agenda with Time break down
What is the goal of the session? What will the audience take away from your proposed workshop?
Are there any materials that we will need to supply you with? Please be specific.
Lastly, submit a 75-100 word bio for each presenter written in 3rd person and sharing academic, artistic, and/or professional goals and accomplishments.
*You can choose to submit a video proposal instead by linking your video submission in the “agenda” section of your proposal and writing N/A in the “audience takeaway” section.
*If you are submitting a piece of visual art, describe your piece and how it ties to the conference theme.
Name: Sofia Brown Email: sofbrown@gmail.com New Brunswick, NJ
Title: Social Justice in Beyoncé’s Hip Hop Legacy
Description: Students will analyze and interpret the lyrics of superstar and advocate Beyoncé’s music. Students will find the hidden messages about female power, black feminism, equality, and social justice fabricated in her catchy tunes.
Strands: Music, Writing, Media Literacy Proposal Type: Workshop
Agenda: (in Minutes)
0-5 Introductions
5-20 Analyzing two songs’ lyrics stanza by stanza
20-30 Watching the music videos for comparison
30-45 Discussing and comparing the songs hand in hand
45-60 Discussing major takeaways
Goals: Participants will walk away with a sharper understanding of how modern hip hop artists use their music to address societal issues. Will also strengthen analytical skills in interpreting popular music.
Presenter needs: Computer projector; Pencils and paper