Black Alumni Celebration

Welcome home to Wesleyan! Join us for a happy hour as we celebrate coming back together as a family. We'll reconnect amidst an exhibition of creative works by Black alumni. Alumni are encouraged to bring a copy of their creative works to display. (Note: A few books by Black alumni authors will be available for purchase at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore on Main Street throughout the weekend.)

We will break bread with current Black students in the newly renovated Malcolm X House basement. Come for the fellowship and grab a bite to eat too!

Jam to the sounds of the all-Black student-run band known as Black Raspberry, composed entirely of current Wesleyan students.

Members of the Wesleyan Black Alumni community want to have an honest conversation about the journey to success—not the destination thereof, per se. You can fail the Medical College Admission Test and still someday make chief resident. You may be a sociology major now but decide to work as a Hollywood producer later. Plans change too and that's okay. This gathering is about the embrace of a journey you design as well as the courage to take some chances to have the life that you desire. So come, let's talk it over.

Rather than a traditional alumni career panel—wherein we (or you) amplify our successes–we're going to open up about the crazy-beautiful journey we're on (or were on), the impossible decisions we made, surprising detours we took or the crystallizing moment when we finally figured out what we wanted to do with our adulting lives.

Each Wesleyan Black alumni will be positioned at their own bistro table with a placard that speaks to the experiences they are there to share. Sample placards: "Quit my dream tech job, started a regenerative farming business and play with dirt all day now," or, "Was an RA at WES, worked for the U.S. State Department, and am now a stay-at-home parent."

We welcome you to hear and then briefly engage with the personal-professional stories of participating Wesleyan Black Alums—our veritable "human books"—in small groups or one-on-one.

Current students, seniors and recent alums are encouraged to come "check out" a "human book" from our WBAC Human Library (unofficial event); and stay open-minded about your post-WES path too.

Participants include:

• Amin Abdul-Malik Gonzalez '96, Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid
• Clifford Thornton, former Associate Dean of Admission, Wesleyan University
• Shereem Herndon-Brown '96, Author, The Black Family's College Guide to Admission
• Tanya Greene '91, Director U.S. Programs, Human Rights Watch
• Theodore Shaw '76, Hon.'14, Julius L. Chambers Distinguished Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Civil Rights, University of North Carolina

The Supreme Court's recent decision to end affirmative action has real-world implications for Black and other under-represented students seeking to pursue their higher education goals at Wesleyan and at colleges/universities around the country. Some are projecting that the Supreme Court's decision is likely to devastate the number of Black students admitted to colleges and universities in the coming years.

In this year's Dwight L. Greene Symposium, experts in this space will not only reflect on the SCOTUS decision and impact on families but also share their views on ways that Wesleyan might work to build and also protect a more racially diverse, equitable and inclusive student body in the future.

Now entering its 31st year, the Dwight L. Greene Symposium honors Dwight L. Greene '70 as a memorial and tribute to his life and work as a professor of law, mentor and friend. Each year, presenters are selected from among Wesleyan's alumni, faculty, and friends who have distinguished themselves in their professions, to share on topics of importance for Black alumni, alumni of color, and the Wesleyan community at large.

This symposium provides an opportunity to hear from a diverse set of voices while facilitating networking and reconnecting with members of the Wesleyan community. with each other and ensures that diversity remains an important part of the Wesleyan experience.

Historically sponsored by the Black Alumni Council and Alumni of Color Council, the symposium serves as a long-standing campus tradition and a time to reflect on where we were, where we are, and most importantly…where we are headed.

Overflow seating will be available in Judd Hall, room 116. The symposium can also be watched on Zoom.

Watch on Zoom

Webinar ID: 954 2042 4672
Passcode: 355379
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Watch last year's Dwight L. Greene Symposium which took place virtually on November 15.

Join us as we cheer on the Cardinals! During half-time, Wesleyan will honor and recognize members of the 1990s All-Decade football team, including the following Black alumni:

• Brother Rome Riddick '00 (Posthumously)
• Brother Terry Sears '00 (Captain 1999)
• Brother Ross Stafford '99 (Captain 1998)
• Brother Christopher Richardson '93 (Captain 1992)
• Jon-Rene Glover '92 (Captain 1991)
• Scott Hatter '92 (Captain 1991)
• Greg Baldwin '91 (Captain 1989–1990)

Come and meet Demetrius Colvin, director, to learn more about the ways the Resource Center provides resources and support to underrepresented and marginalized students on campus.  

It's an old school Malcolm X House "basement" Dance Party in a new school location. Join us at Beckham Hall to dance to the incredible sounds of TWO alumni DJs! DJs Ian Friday '87 and Marc McKayle '88 will share the night. Dress to sweat!

Incorporating elements of breathing exercises and bodily movement, join Kailer Brothers, class of 2025, for a morning movement session designed to bring awareness to the mind and body.

Nicole L. Stanton, Wesleyan University's provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, professor of dance, professor of African American studies, and professor of environmental studies, will headline the Black Alumni Celebration’s Closing Brunch. Come bid farewell to your fellow alums and hear from Dr. Stanton.