UNSPEAKABLE CHALLENGES: Southern Association for Women Historians 2025 Triennial Conference

The Southern Association for Women Historians (SAWH) invites proposals for its thirteenth triennial conference, to be held June 19-22, 2025, at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The conference provides a stimulating and congenial forum for discussing all aspects of southern women’s history and gender history. The program organizers seek to reflect the best in recent scholarship and the diversity of our profession, including college and university professors, graduate students, public historians, K-12 teachers, community organizers, and independent scholars.

In partnership with The Mary McLeod Bethune Institute for the Study of Women and Girls at Bethune-Cookman University, this SAWH meeting is an amazing opportunity for our organization to mark the 150th anniversary of Dr. Bethune’s birth (and the 120th anniversary of the university). This year’s theme, “Unspeakable Challenges,” is inspired by yet another taxing moment in history. The Bethune Institute is an artfully crafted resource for intentional research, programming, and support for issues paramount to the survival and success of women and girls. Of particular note are gender equity topics such as women’s leadership, food and housing security, body image, physical and sexual health and safety, LGBTQ+ challenges, mental health and emotional wellness, maternal health, and healthy relationships. In this spirit, we want to address the front lines of the battle to ensure a bright future for all in this state and nation.

We recognize the specific obstacles and challenges that traveling to Florida might present, and we acknowledge that these obstacles and challenges exist throughout the South and, increasingly, the nation. The organization is committed to providing a safe space for scholarship and conversations about “unspeakable challenges.”

Proposals on any topic related to Southern Women’s histories will be considered, but those related to this year’s theme are most likely to be accepted. Click here to download the .docx file for proposal form/instructions.

Topics May Include:

●      Native American Challenges

●      Immigration

●      Health Care

●      Education

●      Public History

●      Teaching in &/or about this Moment

●      Reproductive Rights

●      Sex, Sexuality and Gender

●      Safety

●      HBCUs

●      Student Movements

●      Teaching History in Florida and Other Southern Schools

The program seeks proposals for the following:

1. Panels (we prefer to receive proposals for complete 3-paper sessions with a chair, but will consider individual papers as well).

2. Roundtables (informal discussions of a historical or professional issue).

3. Workshops (informal discussions centered around professional development).

4. Scholars or community leaders interested in chairing or commenting on a session are invited to submit a 500-word vita.

The submission deadline is September 1, 2024.

SAWH program committee: Françoise N. Hamlin & Robin Morris, Chairs

Denise Bates

Lorri Glover

Pippa Holloway

Briana Royster

Contact Information

Dr. Emily Bingham, President Southern Association for Women Historians (SAWH)

and the SAWH program committee: Françoise N. Hamlin & Robin Morris, Chairs

Denise Bates

Beverly Bond

Lorri Glover

Pippa Holloway

Briana Royster