Every three years here at Ohio University, African-American alumni return to campus for Black Alumni Weekend. It's three days of activities, festivities and a huge fundraiser for the Urban Scholars Program.
Of course, it's more than alums reminiscing. Their triennial visits also remind us what we can do to move forward in the world.
This year was no different. As graduates arrived by car and bus, they bought out hotels in the city and were out in full force. Their ages ranged from recent graduates to not-so-recent graduates. Still, each of them had one thing in common: They were excited to be back.
The graduates excitedly spoke of changes they saw around campus and to catch up with classmates whom they might see only during Black Alumni Weekend. A feeling of joy loomed during the entire weekend, but we must understand that the events were not just for them; they were for us, too.
There is a lot that we can all learn from graduates of decades past.
Although our current racial climate is not what we might like, some graduates I met reminded me it has been so much worse in the past. These are people who attended Ohio University and succeeded in a time when racism was overt, rampant and common. They held protests and unified for the advancement of the black community, regardless of class status or Greek affiliation.
Their stories might be years old, but there is a lot we can learn today about gathering together as a community.
Some were among the 250 students who rallied around Cutler Hall April 25, 1969, protesting to include the African American Studies department, ultimately becoming one of the first in the nation. After 41 years, the African American Studies department (my major) is still holding strong. That sense of perseverance and determination remains meaningful as well.
Alumni members of fraternal organizations and other student groups can impart knowledge about their time here at OU that could help. They also make valuable financial contributions, aiding smaller groups to stay afloat at a university where funding is tight.
Some members founded well-known black student organizations such as the Black Student Cultural Programming Board, the Black Student Communication Caucus and the Black Student Business Caucus.
But an enormous part of what these graduates do is contributing toward the Urban Scholars Program. President Roderick McDavis and his wife established the program to provide full four-year scholarships to students from urban areas. These recipients have not only a financial need for the scholarship, but also a strong scholastic ability in high school.
The urban scholars are some of the most intelligent people I know. It would be a shame if they couldn't attend a college or university because of financial need.
Supporting the program requires $14,900 per year for each of the 36 students who receive the scholarship. This year's fundraising goal from alumni was $45,000. Most of the events and festivities pushed for donations, while many contributed portions of their profits to the scholarship.
Gathering alumni support during the weekend is a great way to raise money as feelings of school pride are high. Black students can see firsthand that Black alumni invest directly in their future. And every three years, students gain invaluable lessons about true struggles and triumphs of the past.
Aisha Upton is a senior studying African American studies and Tuesday columnist for The Post. Let her know how you feel about Black Alumni Weekend at au173107@ohiou.edu.
4 Opinion
Aisha Upton
