Post-Little Berks Updates

Thank you so much for giving your time, energy, and insight to the future of the Berks. We have heard from many of you over the past few weeks, and it was truly wonderful to be in community with some of you at the Little Berks in Evanston last month—whether in deep conversation, over shared meals, or simply enjoying each other’s company. The discussions were at times difficult, but they were also thoughtful, necessary, and deeply rooted in a collective desire to chart a strong and inclusive path forward.

We’re so grateful to our facilitators, Amanda Goodenough and Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, for guiding the conversations at this year’s Little Berks meeting. Their thoughtfulness, care, and generosity created space for meaningful dialogue and reflection on past harms, repair, and rebuilding.

A central focus of these discussions was the Board of Trustees’ difficult decision not to hold the Big Berks in 2026 and the related leadership transition. We reflected on the longstanding expectation that the presidency is linked to hosting the Big Berks at one’s institution, and whether we should reconsider this structure. Members expressed strong consensus that the Big Berks should remain a cornerstone of our work, while evolving to become more sustainable, particularly for volunteer leadership. Proposals included shifting to more accessible hotel venues, staggering board terms, expanding the board, and introducing a president-elect model. Others emphasized enhancing off-year programming, more robust sponsored sessions at AHA, and collaborations with allied organizations. Throughout, there was a shared commitment to balancing legacy with innovation, sustaining our scholarly community, and building a more inclusive, accessible, and resilient Berks.

At our business meeting, we elected new members to the Nominating Committee and Board of Trustees. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Jennifer Nelson, Jennifer Brier, and Tiffany González to the Nominating Committee. We also extend a warm welcome to our newly elected trustees: Jennifer Morgan, Sonia Gomez, Natalie Lira, and Katrina Gulliver. We are grateful to each of them for their willingness to serve and to help lead the Berks through this next chapter.

The board also shared that, following the cancellation of the 2026 Big Berks, those who submitted papers and panels will have the opportunity to present their work at the upcoming AHA meeting in Chicago, where we will honor Big Berks traditions with a plenary lecture, business meeting, and—of course—the dance. Additional presenters will share their work at the Little Berks in June 2026 (details to follow) and through a series of virtual events to ensure broad participation and visibility.

For those who couldn’t attend the Saturday evening talk, we encourage you to pick up Jeanne Theoharis’ new book, King of the North—a timely and compelling read for the summer. While in conversation with Professor Traci Parker, Professor Theoharis challenged us to reconsider what we think we know about Dr. King by centering his activism in the North and highlighting how his radical vision for justice was met with resistance far beyond the South. She also spoke powerfully about his intellectual partnership with Coretta Scott King, urging us to see her not just as a supporter, but as a co-visionary in the Black freedom struggle. The book invites us to reckon with the full scope of King’s politics and legacy—one that speaks urgently to our present moment.

Finally, as announced at the business meeting, Stephanie Richmond will be stepping down as Secretary once a replacement is found. We are deeply grateful to Stephanie for her thoughtful leadership and dedicated service to the Berks during a period of significant transition. She has contributed immeasurably to the organization, and we are sorry to see her go. If you would like to nominate someone—or throw your own name into the ring—please contact our Executive Administrator, Steph Rytilahti, at execadmin@berksconference.org, and she will forward it to the Nominating Committee.

The coming year will center on hearing more from you—our members—about your priorities, ideas, and hopes for the future of the Berks. Please keep an eye out for surveys and additional communications in the weeks and months ahead.