Black Alumni Reunion Celebrates Black Excellence at the University of Mississippi
Event Overview
In a vivid display of black excellence, the annual Black Alumni Reunion at the University of Mississippi took place over four days from Thursday, February 29, to Sunday, March 3, bringing together more than 400 black alumni ranging from the class of 1972 to more recent classes.
The firmament of activities included mixers, networking events, and award ceremonies honoring notable alumni with accolades such as the Dr. Jeanette Jennings Trailblazer Award and the Alumni Achievement Award. The diverse assembly of attendees made the event a great success with a blend of nostalgia, fellowship, networking, and enjoyment.
The Significance of the Event
Alexandria White, president of the Black Alumni Chapter Board and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education, expressed how the reunion served to create new opportunities for past and present students. In a unique experience, many participants had the chance to walk onto the football field at the renowned Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the first time. White said, “It was filled with fellowship, fun, networking and nostalgia. We are looking forward to the next one.”
Memorable Highlights from the Reunion
The reunion echoed with laughter, fond remembrance, and upbeat spirits, clearly evident from the joyous expressions captured in the Union Ballroom during the Career Coachella event on March 2. The ‘Kickback’ event at The Inn at Ole Miss, Stark Family Garden on Feb. 29, also witnessed an outpour of camaraderie with alumni gladly posing for photos.
Farah Jaentschke, Meghan Curry, and Azurrea Curry lit up the Student Union with their presence at the ‘Buy The Block’ event aimed at encouraging and promoting black entrepreneurship. The Greek Stroll Off was brought to life with an energetic performance by Delta Sigma Theta inside the Pavilion on March 1.
The BAR Cookout was another buzz-worthy highlight held at the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on March 2, where participants indulged in scrumptious food and delightful conversation. This event encapsulates the essence of the reunion event – bringing people closer in a space where they can reminisce, recognize, and luxuriate in their collective black excellence.
Looking Ahead
As the Black Alumni Reunion marked a successful milestone in celebrating black excellence, it set the tone for even grander reunions in the future. The sense of community and unity exhibited during the event accentuates the importance of such initiatives in creating platforms to recognize, honor, and inspire the black community at large, reshaping narratives of achievement, courage, and resilience.
