March 2023
The 2023 Annual Meeting will provide important opportunities for participants to uphold and celebrate cultural diversity, both of its attendees and of the host city of Chicago, through special initiatives that are new this year.
“The strength of the field of education research and of our society stems from our collective diversity,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine. “Each year, the annual meeting showcases our commitment to recognizing and advancing the benefits of diversity through the research that is shared and through our featured speakers and programming. We’re excited to offer special features this year that will allow attendees to celebrate and further appreciate cultural diversity.”
AERA Hip-Hop 50 This year is the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop culture. For over five decades, hip-hop has permeated all corners of the globe and all aspects of society, touching business, entertainment, media, advertising, sports, and education. Developed and hosted in partnership with the Hip-Hop Theories, Praxis & Pedagogies SIG, AERA joins in honoring and acknowledging this important cultural milestone with the exhibit “AERA Hip-Hop 50.”
The exhibit will chronicle the history of hip-hop culture and its growth and contributions to the field of education. A series of Lightning Ed Talks focused on the topic will also be featured. The exhibit and talks will be held throughout the Annual Meeting in the Exhibit Hall, located in the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Riverside Ballroom.
Special Performance The Opening Plenary, to be held on Thursday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will start with AERA’s traditional acknowledgment of the Indigenous land where AERA is present for the 2023 Annual Meeting in Chicago. New this year is a featured performance from the Muntu Dance Company. The company performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music, and folklore. Muntu’s performers are also teachers, providing classes for the public and professional training for emerging new young artists.
The Opening Plenary will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom C/D/E/F.
Special Cultural Destinations Annual Meeting attendees are encouraged to explore Chicago and take advantage of all it has to offer. AERA has curated several cultural destinations that may be of special interest.
Established in 1953 as the first urban Indian Center in the country, the American Indian Center Chicago focuses on the arts by offering workshops such as drum making, moccasin making, and also by housing the first and only art gallery space dedicated to the promotion and education of Native artists in the city of Chicago.
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago advances the appreciation of Chinese American culture through exhibitions, education, and research to preserve the past, present, and future of Chinese Americans primarily in the Midwest.
Established in 1961 by artist/educator/writer/activist Margaret Taylor Burroughs, The DuSable Museum is the nation’s first independent museum celebrating Black culture.
Founded in 1982, the National Museum of Mexican Art represents the Mexican community through a significant permanent collection of Mexican art, rich visual and performing arts programs, high-quality arts education programs and resources, and professional development for Mexican artists.
Editor’s Note. President Rich Milner has designated the Black Star Project, also local to Chicago, as the dedicated fund for a contribution from AERA and annual meeting participants. The project works through a variety of educational economic empowerment programs, workshops, and events to empower Black and Latinx communities.