In Service to the City

Sociology as a discipline can claim a tradition of social justice and public sociology because of the work carried out by Black sociologists. The Black sociological tradition has been at the forefront of theoretical, methodological, pedagogical, and epistemological innovation. The work of Black sociologists has been integral to keeping the discipline relevant and moving it forward.

For the first time since 2019, we will convene in person in Chicago. Convening in this city with this theme is an ode to the history of our beloved ABS. One of the first formal convenings of the Association of Black Sociologists (then referred to as the Caucus of Black Sociologists) took place in the city of Chicago.

Since its founding, the Association of Black Sociologists has centered and elevated Black voices, Black liberation, Black pain, Black joy, and Black existence. Rather than being guided by a central question this year’s conference is guided by a central theme of recentering the Black Sociological Tradition. The Black sociological tradition is marked by service, social justice, and public sociology. The ways Black Sociologists carry out the Black Sociological tradition are as diverse as the diaspora. However, the common thread that holds it all together is the focus on work that serves and uplifts. This conference will be the first time in many moons that the organization has partnered with a community organization in a convening city to carry out an ABS-sponsored service project.  

We invite general papers and sessions that draw on the Black Sociological Tradition, centering voices and experiences of Black people. Space will be devoted to but not limited to young scholars, centering Black women, and Black public sociology. All interested individuals are invited to submit papers as well as proposals for complete sessions (three-to-four papers) and roundtables (including: Regular Sessions, Salon Noir Book Talks, Regional Spotlight Sessions, Thematic Sessions, Poster Sessions, and Workshops) on the conference theme, the state of the field, or any general substantive field related to Black sociology.

All program participants must be current 2022 ABS members. The ABS membership year runs from January 1 through December 31 each year. To be included in the final program, all participants must join and register by the registration deadline of August 15, 2022. Membership renewal can be completed online here. Here is a mail-in form for membership payment if you would prefer to mail your membership payment.