Recent Highlights

To read about our travels to Ghana and South Africa please click here.

2025 Black Graduate Celebration

The Black Alumni(ae) of MIT (BAMIT) were proud to invite the entire MIT community to our annual Black Graduate Celebration, held this April to honor the achievements of the Class of 2025. We recognized the accomplishments of all graduating Black undergraduate and graduate students, joined by an audience of fellow students, newly admitted students, faculty, staff, and alumni(ae) in a powerful gathering of community and pride.

Under the theme “Rooted in Legacy, Rising with Purpose,” the celebration reflected on the resilience, brilliance, and boundless potential of our graduates. Each honoree received a hand-woven, embroidered Kente stole made in Ghana for this special occasion — a symbol of heritage, achievement, and the journey ahead.

BAMIT Board Chair Patrick Gerdes ’84 opened the program with words of inspiration, encouraging graduates to carry forward the legacy of innovation, leadership, and impact, while also lifting the voices of those yet to be heard. The evening also recognized the 2025 Ronald E. McNair Scholars, honoring the trailblazing MIT alum and astronaut’s enduring legacy.

It was an inspiring night of celebration, connection, and legacy-building — welcoming our newest alumni(ae) into the BAMIT family as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.

Research Superday

WE DID IT! AND IT WORKED!!!

Yes, BAMIT, we did it! The BAMIT/NSBE JR. Research Superday took place on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, for two hours, via Zoom, and the excitement was high! For the first time in BAMIT history, our alums came face-to-face with the sharp, NSBE Jr. students – South Shore Chapter of Massachusetts, with their tough questions for BAMIT! 

NSBE Jr. is the pre-collegiate initiative of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), created to inspire and support students in grades 3–12 in exploring STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

The NSBE Jr South Shore Chapter, established in 2021, has 20 members in grades 6-12. The students attend both public schools (e.g., Cambridge Rindge and Latin and Milton High School) and independent schools (e.g., Boston College High School, Milton Academy, and Beaver Country Day) across the greater Boston area. Their goal is to help students build the skills and confidence to pursue careers in engineering, technology, and related fields. 

The students asked their questions and our 5 esteemed BAMIT and student Judges, Dr. Grey Batie '14, Roderick Bayliss '20, MNG '21, Dr. Stewart Isaacs SM '19, PD '24, PhD '24, Ronald Demon '99 and UROP Student, Vieyiti Kouadio '27, responded, as well as provided timely guidance and advisement along with their responses. The program concluded with other online alums “weighing in” with their appreciation for the discussion, as well as the opportunity to hear from the eager NSBE Jr. collective of students! The culmination of this Research Superday morning was the challenge to each student to submit a brief video presentation of a research topic of their choosing, to BAMIT within the following 2 weeks, to determine whose presentation would be selected for the best pitch! Later that month, we had not one, but two winners! 

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Ms. Niama Schopf-Malone, Cambridge School of Weston, 1st Prize Winner, and Ms. Simara Glemaud, Canton High School, 2nd Prize Winner! Each of them received a monetary award and congratulatory letter from BAMIT for their insightful video presentations!

Thank you, BAMIT, for your annual contributions that help to make a difference in the lives of these high school students, who are so excited that they want to do more of this with us! We’re looking forward to doing this again in 2026 and will be looking for additional judges when the time comes! BAMIT Volunteers are welcome. Will YOU be ready to serve then? 

Special thanks to BAMIT Alums and others who helped make this happen: Beverly Ross Denny, Chapter Advisor and Managing Director, NSBE Jr.; Toluwanlyin Ojo-Osagie '27, Patrick Gerdes '84 , BAMIT Board Chair; Debra Carlton '75, BAMIT Program Committee

50th Annual Ebony Affair

Celebrating Five Decades of Black Excellence at MIT

On April 12th, 2025 the MIT Black Students’ Union and the Black Alumni(ae) of MIT (BAMIT) co-hosted a milestone celebration — the 50th Annual Ebony Affair Gala. This unforgettable evening brought together current students, alumni(ae), newly admitted students, faculty, and staff to honor five decades of Black excellence at MIT.

The night featured Reginald Van Lee ’79, SM ’80 (MIT), MBA ’84 (Harvard) as the distinguished keynote speaker, sharing wisdom from his trailblazing career in business, philanthropy, and the arts. Guests enjoyed captivating performances, a curated dining experience, and heartfelt storytelling that reflected on our community’s enduring impact and legacy.

With formal attire and golden accents setting the tone, the Ebony Affair was a glittering celebration of unity, achievement, and the shared history that continues to inspire future generations of MIT’s Black community.

MIT Gospel Music Workshop

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2025 MIT Gospel Choir Workshop, held at Killian Hall on February 27, 2025!

Sponsored by BAMIT, the MIT Music Department, and the MIT Alumni Association, this event brought together 21 MIT students, alumni, faculty, and community members for an enriching evening filled with food, fellowship, and the joy of music. The night began with a warm gathering, allowing participants to connect over light refreshments before diving into an inspiring sing-along.

Led by the esteemed Donnell L. Patterson, chair of the Gospel Music department at the New England Conservatory’s School of Preparatory and Continuing Education, attendees learned iconic Gospel songs in a vibrant choir-style setting. Donnell’s passion for music was contagious, making it a welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned choir members alike.

Participants delved into the rich history and cultural significance of Gospel music, fostering a deeper appreciation for this powerful genre. The workshop was not just about singing; it was a celebration of culture, community, and the profound connections that music can create.

This interactive event was a true celebration of the joy and power of Gospel music, uniting students, alumni, and staff for an unforgettable evening. To get a glimpse of this incredible moment, click here for highlights from the workshop.

Excitingly, several workshop participants have taken the initiative to revive the MIT Gospel Choir on campus! This newly formed choir made its debut at the Ebony Affair and performed at the Easter Service at Life Church Boston, pastored by MIT alums Rocklyn Clarke '80 and Eva Clarke '81 If you are interested in joining the MIT Gospel Choir (including alums, faculty and staff), please contact Ayomide Togun at mide@mit.edu.

2024 Black Graduate Celebration

In support of the recruitment, development, and successful graduation of Black undergraduate and graduate students, BAMIT was proud to again sponsor the annual Black Graduate Celebration (BGC) on April 19, 2024. This year’s theme was Finding Courage in Community. The event was held in the Kirsch Auditorium and streamed live for family, friends, and alumni. Chaired by Devin Johnson ’22 and Patrice Langford ’95 & Parent ’24, and supported by members of the BAMIT Board (Patrick Gerdes ‘84, Chair), the BAMIT Program Committee (Debra Carlton ‘75, Chair), and Moana Bentin of the MIT Alumni Association, the BGC program was moving, inspiring, and fun.

Kaelyn Dunnell '25, Co-chair of the Black Students Union, opened the program and presided as MC. BAMIT Board member Rocklyn Clarke ‘80, gave the welcome on behalf of the BAMIT Board and invited the graduates to “engage and continue to have a powerful impact through BAMIT.”

Robert Wickham '93 SM '95, MIT Alumni Association President, welcomed the graduates to the MIT Global Alumni Network and wished them “the courage to go forth and tackle hard problems, to have an impact, and to shift the world on its axis.” Next, the Institute Message was delivered by MIT’s inaugural Vice President for Equity & Inclusion (VPEI) Karl Reid '84 SM '85. He implored the students to “stay connected to this community, stay connected to the Institute, and stay connected to your mission, your purpose, your meaning.”

After an interactive game of trivia, the audience heard from the undergraduate, graduate, and keynote speakers who were selected by the Class of 2024 graduates. Undergraduate Speaker Myles Noel '24 recalled how after starting their freshman year virtually, many students became heavily involved in campus orgs when they finally arrived on campus and “that molded us into leaders, leaders determined to rebuild our communities.” Myles also addressed the prefrosh in attendance and encouraged them to choose MIT for its community, sharing that “The Black community is what led me to choose MIT and honestly the Black community is also the reason why I have been able to overcome the many of the trials and tribulations faced over the past four years.”

Graduate Speaker Jaylen Hackett MBA '24 acknowledged the village of people who supported the students’ journeys to get to MIT and expressed his appreciation for the community he found at MIT upon leaving his village. His advice to the graduates as they go forward was to “Reject the notion of being okay with being the only one…Be a village for someone else…Find, create, and add community of yourself and others.”

After the student band Love and a Sandwich had the audience on their feet and dancing the electric slide, Andre Hamelberg '24, President MIT Undergraduate Association, introduced the Keynote Speaker, Kristala L. J. Prather ’94, Arthur Dehon Little Professor & Department Head, Chemical Engineering.

Professor Prather asked the graduates to share the things they remember the most fondly about MIT and what they want to be when they grow up / how they want to change the world. She commented on their responses in relation to community and courage, and shared a picture of her MIT community featuring herself and husband Darcy Prather ’91 on their wedding day, surrounded by MIT undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff members. She reflected on what her MIT community has done for her and for each other through the years as an example of what the 2024 graduates may look forward to with the MIT community they have created for themselves. Tying it all together, she thoughtfully concluded, “This is a celebration. It is about you and what you have accomplished as a student. But it is also about what you collectively have achieved. About the fellowship you have built. About the heights to which you will soar, lifted up by the unbreakable bonds of this community that you have both built and that you have inherited.”

Finally, in recognition of the waymakers that have shaped and molded the Black experience at MIT, a tribute was made to the Class of 1974 Black Alumni that are now joining the Cardinal & Gray Society, and the classes that came before them. After closing remarks by the BGC Co-Chairs, attendees continued the celebration outside the auditorium with a delicious dinner catered by Larry J’s BBQ Café.

And then it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for – the graduates! Rocklyn Clarke ’80 read the names of each graduate as they were presented with a hand-woven, Kente stole embroidered with “MIT” and “Class of 2024.”

The entire event can be viewed using this link: Livestream of 2024 Black Graduate Celebration.

Photos Courtesy of Frankie Schulte ‘25

Class of 1974 Reunion

Back row: Ben Mallard, Gary Wilkes, Napoleon Nelson, Don Wesson, Gordon LaSane, Keith Killough, Sam Denard

Front row: Woodrow Whitlow, James Clark, Pat Tellis, Debra Jackson, Bill Black, Fred Sears

Black Alumni Reception at MIT Tech Reunions 2023

The Reception for Black Alumni at Tech Reunions was fun, heartwarming, and inspiring. This event, sponsored yearly by BAMIT, created a space where alumni from different generations can connect, celebrate, and reflect on their journeys and the progress they have made over the years.

Walter Gibbons, Michael Fant, Lyman Alexander, Paula Waters and Curt Morrow

The presence of members from the class of 1973, celebrating their 50th reunion, added a wonderful sense of continuity and legacy to the event. ’73 members in attendance were Lyman Alexander, Elliott Border, Chris Davis, Darryl Dawson, Michael Fant, Sylvester (Jim) Gates, Walter Gibbons, Inez Hope, Beverly Dalrymple Morrow, Curtis Morrow, Robert Thomas and Paula Waters. They, along with members of earlier classes, Warren Shaw ’72, Ahmad Salih ’72 and Linda Sharpe ’68, who were also in attendance, represent a group of individuals whose achievements have undoubtedly paved the way for younger generations.

Their stories of their MIT experiences reminded us of the challenges they faced and their courage in overcoming those challenges. Their words of wisdom offered a unique perspective that can inspire current and recent graduates, helping them navigate their own paths and overcome challenges.

The anecdotes and memories shared during the event not only created a sense of camaraderie among the attendees but also highlighted the power of mentorship and the impact that alumni can have on the success of current students.

The event is a reminder that the BAMIT community is a supportive and nurturing one, where past and present members come together to uplift and empower each other.

Elliott Borden, Chris Davis, Darryl Dawson, Sylvester Jim Gates, Inez Hope, Robert Thomas

Overall, the Reception for Black Alumni during Tech Reunions serves as a beautiful reminder of the strength of the BAMIT community, the importance of representation, and the enduring impact of shared experiences. It was truly a celebration of achievements, dreams, and the collective journey towards success.

Also, Michael Fant was the featured speaker at the 1973 50th Class Reunion Dinner.