The University of Baltimore will host the first-ever academic conference on Baltimore's 1968 riots on April 3-5, 2008, officials announced today.

Background on the conference and the riots is here.

In addition to traditional papers, panels and roundtable discussions, organizers said the three-day conference will also include art installations, original musical compositions and workshops. More than 40 proposals are being considered, from both local colleges and universities around the country, including Columbia University, Howard University and Virginia Tech.

"Given the sensitive nature of this topic and the fact that there has never before been a program of this kind, we didn’t know how our plans would be perceived or if there would be those interested in bringing their views to the table," said Jessica Elfenbein, UB's associate provost and the conference coordinator. "The submissions we received clearly indicate that there is a desire for a substantive meaningful dialogue to explore the meanings of the riots and the extent and limits of any rebirth."