The Bay Area High School
15th Annual Ethnic Studies Conference
FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH, 2026 OAKLAND, CA
This year’s theme, In Lak’ech - Collective is Our Power. We Got Us! invites students to explore how they can build strong, equitable communities through empowerment, learning, solidarity, and action.
Creation Story
Ethnic Studies High School Conference
The Ethnic Studies Conference was originally organized by the Schools Not Jails Coalition (SNJC) and Organize Da B.A.Y. (ODB) to ensure that high school students receive a quality education. In addition to helping to establish Ethnic Studies courses in San Francisco and Southern California high schools, SNJC received recognition from the San Francisco Unified School District for organizing annual Ethnic Studies Conferences in the Bay Area. ODB was a coalition of various youth-based social justice organizations in the Bay Area. The coalition's goal was to create a Bay Area student power movement and act as a united front against the present assaults on young people.
The first Ethnic Studies Conference was held at City College of San Francisco in 2001.
Theme
In Lak’ech - Collective is Our Power. We Got Us!
In Lak'ech is a Mayan phrase meaning "You are my other me" or "I am you, and you are me," signifying deep interconnectedness and unity. It emphasizes respect, empathy, and that we are all reflections of each other, promoting oneness rather than separateness.
“Collective is our power, We got us!” is about understanding that in our circles, hubs, and communities, that is where we can truly find the resources, support, and strength when other systems that are supposed to protect us don’t.
We Got Us!
In 2026, the Ethnic Studies Conference will be designed as an immersive experience for high school students. It will feature:
Twenty-four (24) dynamic workshops led by educators, community leaders, and youth activists, exploring topics such as social justice, cultural heritage, storytelling, and collective healing that will deepen analysis or current campaign efforts in our communities.
Opportunities to connect with peers and mentors from across the region who share a commitment to equity and justice.
Action-oriented sessions to inspire students to bring their learning back to their communities.
More to Come…
The Ethnic Studies Conference planning committee is working hard to create the best experience for our communities. Please continue to check back weekly for updates!