FALL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: November 20-22, REGISTER NOW!!
Since 1986, Black Men in Unions has invited all workers, union or non-union, and activists from allied organizations to share ideas and grow skills for responding to the challenges facing working people. In this conference, we pay special attention to bringing in black leaders to teach and cultivate the next generation of leadership. We welcome participants from all cultural or ethnic backgrounds and gender identities.
Information and registration for our upcoming conference below.
Important Note: We have recently been asked if "The North Meets South" conference, being held in Georgia on the same dates as the original University of Michigan Black Men in Unions (BMIU), is a CLCS event. It is NOT: the official Black Men in Unions Institute is a 4-day conference being held in Troy, MI. Please be advised that "The North Meets South" conference is a completely separate event that is NOT affiliated in any way with the University of Michigan, the Center for Labor & Community Studies, or the original Black Men in Unions Institute. Any use of our logo, name, or branding is being used without our permission. All official CLCS conferences and programming will always be listed on our website.
You can review the curriculums offered at past conferences below. As this is a long-standing conference, please note that not every year is represented. To see photos and video from past conferences, visit the Black Men in Unions Facebook page.
This year, BMIU will have ten workshops available, including one advanced course:
From Stress to Strength: Mental Health: This Workshop is designed to help employees and leaders understand, manage and support mental health and addiction challenges in the workplace. The participant will learn how to identify common indicators, understand how stress and burnout can contribute to mental health challenges and how to apply practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience and maintaining emotional balance.
Strengthening Representation and Workplace Fairness: Union representatives, stewards and workplace leaders will gain knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for bargaining unit members. Participants will explore the grievance process, as well as learn to identify valid issues, collect documentation and reach resolution.
Equal Rights, Stronger Unions: Unions play a vital role in advancing diversity, equity and civil rights in the workplace. Participants will learn their role in promoting fairness, preventing illegal discrimination, and protecting the rights of all workers. They will acquire tools for addressing bias, supporting inclusion and promoting a respectful workplace.
From Language to Leverage: Contract language is a cornerstone of worker protection and a reflection of union power. This workshop helps union representatives, stewards and bargaining committee members develop the skills to interpret contract language and understand the effects of contract proposals.
Raising our Voice: Media Skills for Union Advocacy: Union voices are most powerful when the message is clear, unified and connects with the audience. Participants will learn how to craft compelling messages, handle themselves in interviews, and respond to tough questions. Use of traditional and social media to highlight workers issues and broaden support will also be covered.
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth in Unions: This workshop introduces young people to the values and purpose of unions in a fun and engaging way. Participants are welcome to bring young people (ages 8-18) to join the BMIU experience. This course runs on Saturday ONLY, with a Sunday morning graduation. Registration is $60 per participant.
Building Stronger Unions and Stronger Voices: Organizing is the heart of the labor movement. It’s how workers build strength, unity and power to create change. This workshop provides participants with the knowledge, tools and confidence to successfully organize within their workplaces and communities.
Leading Fair and Effective Meetings: Learn how to run and participate in meetings that are organized, efficient and where all are treated fairly. The workshop introduces the basics of parliamentary procedure, including motions, voting, and debate rules to help ensure every voice is heard and decisions are made with clarity and respect.
Financial Planning 101: Personal Finance 101 will set the foundation for establishing financial goals and understanding the financial tools that are needed for you to accomplish those goals. This course will cover the basics for budgeting, debt reduction, wills and trusts, and more.
Cost is $660 ($580 tuition, $80 mandatory meal fee)
Register online at clcs.umd.umich.edu, email photo/scan of this form to CLCS.info@umich.edu or fax 313-588-6430. Note, postal mail can take up to two weeks to reach us. You do not need your payment or voucher first to register. Please register and pay by February 12th, 2026. If we receive the full $660 payment by that date, you are eligible for the Express Lane — a shorter wait at check in. The mandatory meal payment includes 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches; evening meals are on your own. Tuition Assistance Programs (TAPs) cover tuition costs, but not meals. If using TAP, apply for $580 tuition; you or your workplace pay the $80 meal payment beforehand or at registration.
Check-in is Thursday, February 19, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Welcome Session is 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A second check-in is 7:30am to 9:00am Friday. Conference runs 8:00am to 5:00pm Friday & Saturday, with graduation on Sunday.
BMIU will be held at Somerset Inn (2601 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084).
Rooms are available at Somerset Inn for nightly rates of $134/$159/$275 (Standard/Executive/Suite), plus taxes. You can book at this special rate by calling 1-800- 222-8733. Rooms are held at these rates until Thursday,February 5th, 2026. Mention BMIU for these rates.
The last date to cancel the event at no cost is February 12, 2026. To be valid, cancellations must be called in to CLCS at 313-583-6400. Registrants who do not cancel by the deadline or No-Show owe full payment amount.
Please contact our office or go to the scholarship application on our website to inquire about scholarship availability.
