Annual Symposium

Considered the heart of the Blackburn experience, this annual, two-day symposium brings students, fellows, advisory board members, as well as respected community and state leaders together to hear speakers, participate in round-table discussions, and determine plans of action. Mark your calendar for our next Annual Symposium.

• 2024 Annual Symposium – August 23-24, 2024
  Plenary Speakers, Coach Sarah Patterson (opening speaker), and Sen. Katie Britt (keynote speaker)

• 2023 Annual Symposium – August 25-26, 2023
  Keynote Speaker, Mr. Joshua Jones

• 2022 Annual Symposium – August 26-27, 2022
  Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mae Jemison

• 2021 Annual Symposium – August 27-28, 2021
  Keynote Speaker, Ms. Catherine Coleman Flowers

• 2020 Annual Symposium – August 28-29, 2020
  Keynote Speakers, Dr. Selwyn Vickers (opening speaker) and Mr. Derrick Johnson (closing speaker)

• 2019 Annual Symposium and 25th Anniversary Celebration – August 23-24, 2019
  Keynote Speaker, Mr. Jimmy Wales

• 2018 Annual Symposium – August 24-25, 2018
  Keynote Speaker, Mr. George F. Will

• 2017 Annual Symposium – August 25-26, 2017
  Keynote Speakers, Mr. Paul Rogat Loeb (opening speaker) and Mr. Bryan Stevenson (closing speaker)

• 2016 Annual Symposium – August 26-27, 2016
  Keynote Speaker, Mr. Charlie Cook

• 2015 Annual Symposium – August 28-29, 2015
  Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Lilly Ledbetter

This program is generously funded by donations from supporters to The Gloria and John L. Blackburn Academic Symposium Endowed Support Fund and The Frank A. Nix Endowed Memorial Lectureship.