CHSA 2025 Conference Reflection

April 25-26, 2025, Pomona College

On behalf of the Critical Humor Studies Association, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the inaugural conference, “Critical Humor Studies in Times of Crisis: Aesthetics, Approaches, and Applications,” held at Pomona College in April 2025. As highlighted during our opening remarks, this gathering represents the manifestation of our collective “laughter and rage” and determination to forge a space dedicated to critical inquiry and social justice.

Special gratitude to our keynote speakers whose powerful insights profoundly shaped our discussions: the Critical Black Humor Studies panel featuring Brittney Edmonds, J Finley, Bambi Haggins, and Danielle Fuentes Morgan; Cynthia Willett’s fascinating foray into “Power Plays and Political Animals”; and Luvell Anderson’s heady and provocative exploration of “Comedic Resistance.” Each of these sessions reminded us, as echoed in our opening remarks, that our critical conversations represent “a radical act of defiance” in times marked by political violence and threats to academic freedom.

We sincerely appreciate the dynamic contributions from nearly fifty presenters from around the globe who joined us both virtually and in person. Your explorations into humor’s intersections with race, gender, technology, pedagogy, political resistance, and crisis management deepened our understanding and fostered connections that we hope will continue beyond the conference.

Immense thanks to Pomona College, especially the President’s Office, Benton Museum of Art, and the numerous academic departments whose generous support made this event possible. A special acknowledgment to our dedicated conference organizers, whose tireless efforts ensured the success of this gathering.

As we reflect on the shared knowledge, laughter, and solidarity experienced during our time together, we invite your ongoing engagement. Your participation is the heartbeat of CHSA, and we encourage you to provide feedback, contribute ideas, and join us as we build a vibrant and resilient community committed to critical explorations of humor.

Thank you for making our inaugural conference not just memorable but foundational for our collective future.
As stated at our opening, there truly is “no THIS without US.”