The Third Biennial

Black Midwest Symposium

Adaptive Reuse: Reimagining Black Futures in the Midwest

October 18th-19th, 2024

Dayton, Ohio

This past October, The Black Midwest Initiative explored the vibrant intersections of history, academia, art, and community at our Third Biennial Black Midwest Symposium. This year's symposium was hosted at the Dayton Metro Library, a pillar in Dayton’s Black community, and unfolded under the illuminating theme of "Adaptive Reuse.” Adaptive Reuse was more than just a theme or concept at the Third Biennial Black Midwest Symposium—it was a call to action for Black communities and allies across the Midwest.

Dayton, a city with a rich industrial heritage, stands at the forefront of this movement. In collaboration with local thinkers, creators, activists, and community members, the Third Biennial Black Midwest Symposium harnessed Dayton's pioneering spirit to engage in critical and empowering dialogues. Together, we explored how Black communities across the Midwest are making sense of and navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by adaptive reuse.