The organizing committee for the Inland Empire (IE) People’s History Conference is inviting scholars, students, artists and community members to participate in the third annual I.E. People’s History Conference, taking place Saturday, June 6, at Pomona College. Those interested in presenting, tabling, attending or volunteering are encouraged to submit the online interest form by Feb. 22.

Organized by a collaborative, multidisciplinary and multi-institutional group of scholars, community history keepers, artists and members of A People’s History of the I.E., the conference seeks to bridge university research, creative work and community engagement to explore the art, culture and histories of Inland Southern California. The event continues conversations launched in previous gatherings and aims to document and share the region’s diverse stories, including perspectives often overlooked in traditional scholarship.

“This conference works to challenge common assumptions, and tendencies in scholarship, that overlook the Inland Empire,” said Marc Arsell Robinson, associate professor of history and conference co-organizer. “Often, Los Angeles and Orange County are studied and celebrated, but the IE also deserves attention for its unique history and contemporary characteristics. The IE is more than merely an extension of LA, and it deserves the attention of writers, researchers and creatives.”

The Inland Empire, which spans San Bernardino and Riverside counties, is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the nation and continues to play a significant role in California’s social, cultural and economic landscape. The conference builds on the success of previous events by creating space for research, storytelling and community dialogue focused on the IE’s past, present and future.