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A Message From the Council
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This fall has been a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of NIU's Black alumni community. Events like our annual alumni picnic and Homecoming weekend brought together generations of Huskies to support each other and NIU. We’re also excited to share updates from the Center for Black Studies that highlight its impact as well as emerging Black Alumni Council initiatives.
In the end, our efforts matter most when they uplift students and deepen alumni connections, while showing you the many different ways you can be part of our community.
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Center for Black Studies and Black Studies Program Updates
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While the Center for Black Studies building houses two distinct units, both the Center for Black Studies Program and Black Studies Program work in concert with each other. This collaboration provides a dynamic, holistic and transformative experience for our students academically, culturally and socially.
The Center for Black Studies, led by Christopher Mitchell, Ph.D., focuses on co-curricular engagement and retention, while the Black Studies Program, led by Ajewole Duckett, Ph.D., focuses on Black Studies as an academic discipline, which includes the minor and certificate.
This partnership led to many successes this past semester, including the induction of 38 scholars into the John Henrik Clark Honors Society, awarding $3,200 to support students with financial need, and celebrating 55 graduates at the fall Black Graduation Celebration. At the Black Graduation Celebration, BAC board members Howard Hill, ’80, and James Alford, ’16, M.S.Ed. ’17, addressed graduates on community legacy, alumni engagement and participation.
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Join the BAC Student Engagement Committee, Help Shape the Next Generation
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The Black Alumni Council Student Engagement Committee is looking for passionate alumni who want to stay connected, give back, and help strengthen the bridge between Black students and alumni. From mentoring and networking to campus engagement and signature events, this committee is where ideas turn into action and impact.
If you are energized by supporting students, building community and helping NIU graduates thrive beyond the classroom, we would love to have you be a part of this initiative.
Interested or want to learn more? Contact James Alford, Chair at jamesg.alford@gmail.com.
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| Black Alumni Picnic |
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2025 Homecoming Celebration |
| The annual Black Alumni Council Picnic continued its success at the Dan Ryan Woods with more than 300 alumni and friends gathered during Labor Day weekend! |
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Homecoming activities planned by the BAC drew nearly 400 alumni and friends who reconnected as they bowled, tailgated, danced, networked and cheered on the NIU football team. Thank you to the Homecoming Planning Committee for their hard work! |
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Upcoming Events
Please email Centerblackstudies@niu.edu to RSVP for the events listed below.
FEBRUARY
We will be celebrating 100 Years of Black Studies during Black Heritage Month, featuring a full slate of lectures, dialogues, cultural programs, film experiences and community celebrations. We encourage you to join us and reconnect with students and staff during this historic milestone.
MARCH
16 — Mentor for Momentum, 6-7 p.m. (The Center for Black Studies)
APRIL
13 — Mentor for Momentum, 6-7 p.m. (The Center for Black Studies)
29 — Black Studies Program: Black Studies Research Symposium, 3-6 p.m. (Holmes Student Center, Regency Room)
MAY
3 — Black Graduation Celebration, Time TBD (Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom)
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Find out more about our historic campaign and how you can take action in support of NIU.
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NIU Black Alumni Council