A longstanding, student-led tradition at Humboldt, the Social Justice Summit creates space for community-building and advocacy while exploring some of the most pressing social issues of our time. This year’s theme, “Moving Together: Expression in Action,” centers on the many meanings of movement—social, physical, and emotional—and how movement connects communities and fuels change.
Organizers describe movement as both a personal and collective experience. Through that lens, the 2026 summit invites participants to explore how communities move, rise, express, and transform together in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity.
Throughout the week, attendees can take part in workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions designed to foster understanding, solidarity, and action. The event will kick off with a keynote presentation and performance by the featured speaker, Dandha Da Hora, taking place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Forum. Following this, attendees can enjoy a performance scheduled from noon until 1:00 p.m. at the University Quad.
Dandha Da Hora is a member of Ilê Aiyê, one of Brazil’s most important musical and cultural institutions. In her teaching, as well as in her performances, Dandha invokes the incredible spirit of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and of Ilê Aiyê. A master dancer and dance teacher, as well as vocalist and percussionist, Dandha honors the incredible gifts of her culture every time she performs.
On Friday, March 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., attendees can join Amy Bowers Cordalis for a powerful keynote presentation on Indigenous-led environmental advocacy, followed by a book signing of The Water Remembers: My Indigenous Family’s Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life. Cordalis shares the story of her family’s fight to protect the Klamath River, highlighting the intersections of Tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural survival. This session offers an inspiring call to action grounded in resilience, responsibility, and the enduring relationship between people and water.
The Summit provides a platform for participants to engage diverse perspectives, deepen their knowledge, and explore ways to contribute to positive change on campus and beyond. For a schedule of events, visit the LIVE schedule or humboldt.edu/sjei/sjs.
The Social Justice Summit has long been dedicated to challenging dominant narratives and uplifting the lived experiences of BIPOC, queer, disabled, and other intersectional communities. By centering voices that are too often marginalized, the Social Justice Summit encourages thoughtful dialogue and empowers participants to think critically about systems of power and possibility.
The event is made possible through collaboration with campus and community partners, including the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Associated Students, and the Department of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and equity arcata.
As Humboldt prepares for this year’s gathering, the Social Justice Summit organizers invite the campus community to move together with purpose, engage in meaningful conversations, build connections, and take part in a shared journey toward greater equity and understanding.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact summit@humboldt.edu.