Race, Religion, and Social Justice Conference (Omaha)

Art speaks when words fall short. It invites us to see, feel, and respond to the world—and to one another—with honesty and hope. Across centuries and cultures, art has been a powerful force in the struggle for racial equity, religious expression, and social justice.

Whether painted on protest signs or echoed in sacred music, art has borne witness to suffering, served as a vessel for resistance, and nurtured resilience.

The 2026 Race, Religion, and Social Justice Conference explores how artistic expression—across theatre, music, dance, visual arts, spoken word, film, ritual, and multimedia—shapes our understanding of identity, faith, and justice. This gathering brings together artists, scholars, faith leaders, and community practitioners whose work bridges the sacred and the civic, the personal and the political.

Centered on the theme Art as Witness, Catalyst, and Calling, the conference examines how the arts:

- Illuminate marginalized truths and challenge dominant narratives
- Express spiritual longing, sacred meaning, and collective ritual
- Mobilize communities toward healing, solidarity, and transformation
- Foster connection across lines of race, religion, culture, and experience

This conference is not only a space for learning, but an invitation to imagine, create, and co-author a more just and beautiful world.