Black Women's Leadership in Building an Inclusive Movement for Social Justice

February 10-12, 2026

A panel conversation, archive exploration, and leadership convening celebrating the Be Present Archives and the Lillie P. Allen Papers at Emory University

We invite you to a series of events that bring together reflection, leadership, and community. These gatherings mark the placement of the Be Present, Inc. Archives and the Lillie P. Allen Papers at Emory University’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, while also convening the Be Present National Board of Directors. Together, these events connect historical legacy with the living practice of Be Present’s movement-building work.

Explore the Events

Be Present Board Meeting — Session 1 → Learn more
Be Present Board Meeting — Session 2 → Learn more
Archive Walkthrough and Panel Conversation → Learn more

Parking and Directions

Attend in person at Emory University or Join via Zoom.

Board of Directors Meeting: Session 1

February 10, 2026

7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ET
Virtual and In Person

Join us for the first session of our Board of Directors Meeting. This evening is a chance to experience collective governance in action as Board members, staff, consultants, and community partners come together to reflect on the year and have powerful conversations about our strategic directions.

You do not need to be a board member to join this meeting. If you are interested in how shared governance and long-term movement stewardship work in practice, this is an opportunity to observe, contribute, and help shape the strategic directions that guide Be Present’s future, in dialogue with the legacy preserved in the Emory University archives.

Attend in person at Emory University, Miller-Ward Alumni House at 815 Houston Mill Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 or register below and Join via Zoom.

See Details

Board of Directors Meeting: Session 2

February 11, 2026

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Virtual and In Person

Join us for the second session of our Board of Directors Meeting. This evening is a chance to experience collective governance in action as Board members, staff, consultants, and community partners come together to reflect on the year and have powerful conversations about our strategic directions.

Attend in person at Emory University, Miller-Ward Alumni House at 815 Houston Mill Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 or register below and Join via Zoom.

See Details

Panel Conversation and Exploration of the Archives

February 12, 2026

Exploring the Be Present Archives and Lillie P. Allen Papers

Emory University
Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
Atlanta, GA

Explore the vital role of Be Present, Lillie P. Allen, and Black women’s leadership in preserving and contributing to social justice histories while also highlighting the richness, purpose, and impact of the collections.

This conversation will include Lillie P. Allen/Be Present network leaders, faculty, and scholars/researchers. Topics of discussion may include:

A discussion about the Be Present and Lillie P. Allen archival collections.
Be Present’s history as a movement-building organization based in the south and founded by Lillie P. Allen.
The critical work of centering Black women’s voices and experiences in archival collections and the challenges and opportunities in making these histories accessible to communities.
The transformative power of the Lillie P. Allen/Be Present archives (and archives more broadly) as tools for education, activism, and transformation

Event Schedule

Archive Display and Walkthrough (10th Floor) | 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Light Refreshments (3rd Floor) | 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Panel Conversation (3rd Floor) | 4:00–6:00 p.m. ET

Use the Registration Form below to attend the Panel Event virtually and Join via Zoom.

See Details

Parking at Emory for Panel Event

February 12, 2026

PARKING AND DIRECTIONS

The Rose Library is located on the 10th floor of the Robert W. Woodruff Library on Emory University's main campus in Atlanta.

Attendees can be dropped off at 571 S. Kilgo Cir. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322.

The closest parking deck to the Woodruff Library is Fishburne Parking Deck located at 1672 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322 (or 2003 Fishburne Lane). Parking Rates: 3-4 hours $13; 4-24 hours $15.

Fishburne has accessible parking spaces, but it’s suggested those needing assistance should contact the Department of Accessibility Services: 404-727-9877 or accessibility@emory.edu.

Walking directions from Fishburne Parking Deck (approx. 5 minute walk):

Exit Parking Deck: From the Fishburne parking deck, take a left and head down the hill on Fishburne Lane.
Cross the Street: At the first right (Fishburne Drive), use the brick crosswalk.
Follow Signage: Cross back over Fishburne Drive; follow signs directing you toward the Woodruff Library.
Pass the Museum: Continue down Fishburne Drive, cross Mizell Drive, and walk toward the Michael C. Carlos Museum (identifiable by its triangular entrance).
Follow the Path: Turn right at the Carlos Museum and follow the sidewalk past two posts and two circular planters.
Arrive: Continue past the stairs and a low wall; turn right on the level path to the library entrance.
Be prepared to show your ID to the security desk upon entry into the building. Please let them know that you are attending the "Be Present" event in the Jones Room.
Take the Stacks Tower elevators located in the main library tower to the 10th floor.

The event begins with the Archive Display and Walkthrough on the 10th floor. Guests will take the elevator to the 3rd Floor and go to the Jones Room where the Panel Conversation begins at 4:00 p.m.

See Details