“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” – Gwendolyn Brooks
As we move forward with warmer temperatures and outdoor activities with family and friends, I am reminded of Brooks’ powerful message of unity. I am ever grateful for the partnership with the Alumni Association to help make Ubunye a reality. Although we live and work across the world, Black alumni share a special connection that enables us to quickly mobilize to create and support our many achievements and endeavors. We also show up to lift one another during times of pain and heartache. During our challenging racial and economic times, our University strives to demonstrate its commitment to our belonging and thriving. It is our responsibility to engage, question, and offer ideas to make Virginia “good and great.”
Our voice – Our business is necessary to ensure a healthy and diverse community today and tomorrow at UVA. Let us move forward in unity. Thanks again for being a part of Ubunye. Please continue to explore the website and engage in the many opportunities to serve and fellowship with Hoos. Questions or feedback? Email ubunye@virginia.edu. Onward!
Debby Stroman, Educ ’82
Welcome, Class of 2024!
“I have worn the honors of honor. I graduated from Virginia”
James Jay, Jr., 1903
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder. Graduating from the University of Virginia is no small feat—it is a testament to your intelligence, perseverance, and determination. As you step into the next chapter of your life, we want to warmly welcome you to Ubunye, your new alumni family.
Ubunye, meaning “unity” in Zulu, is more than just an association—it’s a vibrant, supportive community where your journey with UVA continues beyond graduation. Here, you will find a network of fellow Black alumni who share your commitment to excellence, heritage, and community upliftment. Together, we celebrate our shared experiences and diverse achievements, offering a space where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Your graduation marks the beginning of a new adventure. The knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained at UVA have prepared you to tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that come your way. As you embark on your careers, further your education, or pursue your passions, know that Ubunye is here to support you every step of the way.
We are excited to help you navigate this new phase, whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or community engagement. Your success is our success, and together, we will continue to uplift and inspire one another.
Once again, congratulations on your incredible achievement. Welcome to Ubunye—where unity and success go hand in hand. Your future is bright, and we are excited to watch you prosper.
Black Alumni Weekend 2024
What a great time in Charlottesville! A big thank you to all the volunteers who planned and executed the weekend. And kudos to all the alumni who made it back to the Grounds to reminisce and celebrate accomplishments. Please visit the BAW website to view the photos! Ubunye appreciates the feedback from the post-BAW survey too. We are listening to what you desire from our organization. For example, Marva Jo Camp (Col ’83), Ubunye BAW liaison, is coordinating our first regional event for fall 2024 in response to the great demand for more regional activities. Ubunye will host a gathering in the DMV area – stay tuned for more information!
Shout out to BAW Volunteers
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who worked tirelessly to make this year’s Black Alumni Weekend an unforgettable celebration. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment brought together our alumni community in a joyous and meaningful way.
As we gathered back on Grounds, we witnessed the true spirit of fellowship, unity, and pride that defines BAW. The success of this event is a testament to the countless hours of planning, coordination, and hard work you invested. From the engaging panels and inspiring speakers to the lively social events and heartfelt reunions, every detail reflected your passion and meticulous effort.
Your contributions not only created a space for us to reconnect and celebrate but also strengthened the bonds within our community. You provided an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared experiences, honor our achievements, and look forward to the future with hope and determination.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for bringing BAW to life. Your efforts have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply appreciative of all that you have done.
Committee Updates
Athletics
The committee will work with B.O.S.S. and athletic teams to create a master list of all Black athletes who had varsity sport participation for at least two years. In addition, we encourage those interested in UVA athletics to note and reflect on the recent legislation regarding Name, Image, and Likeness in the state of Virginia.
Wellness and Mental Health
Spring into Wellness! The season, with its focus on renewal, is a perfect time to prioritize our health and well-being. May is particularly special as it marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Women’s Health Awareness Month, followed by Men’s Health Awareness Month in June. As a Black alumni community, it’s important to support each other in prioritizing our health and well-being. Let’s use these awareness months to engage in meaningful conversations about health and self-care, share resources, and promote a holistic approach to taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Spring into Wellness! The season, with its focus on renewal, is a perfect time to prioritize our health and well-being. May is particularly special as it marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Women’s Health Awareness Month, followed by Men’s Health Awareness Month in June. As a Black alumni community, it’s important to support each other in prioritizing our health and well-being. Let’s use these awareness months to engage in meaningful conversations about health and self-care, share resources, and promote a holistic approach to taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
Mind-Body Connection
Taking care of our mental health is crucial for our overall health. The mind-body connection is strong—our physical health impacts our mental and emotional health, and vice versa. By paying attention to both aspects, we can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Mental Health Support Resources
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to know where and how to find mental health support when needed. To assist you in that endeavor, we’ve included several commonly used resources for finding mental health support on our website. Additionally, two popular anti-racism and mental health strategy books are: Tricia Hershey’s Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto and Jennifer Mullan’s Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing Your Practice.
Recognition and Celebration
We are making great strides in identifying our amazing alumni from 1953 to 1972. This Trailblazers Project was initiated by Rick Copeland (Col ’82) and Charlene Miott-Jones (Col ’84) and greatly supported by Roland Lynch (Col ’71), Michael Mallory, (Col ’80), and Paulette Morant (Col ’74). Prof. Ervin L. Jordan Jr. , UVA Research Archivist, provided additional resources to assist in the research of our pioneers. We are hopeful to have visual displays available on Grounds later this year.
Remembering the Past
Please enjoy this historical copy of the “Black Students at The University of Virginia” brochure. Roland Lynch (Col ’71) recalls using this leaflet to recruit Black students in 1968. University expenses (in-state) were ~$2,000 per year!
“Because the University of Virginia is a predominately White, male institution, and the general social atmosphere best described as White middle class, it is important to note that some sacrifices have to be realized by the Black student as far as social life is concerned.”
– Black Students at The University of Virginia, page 4
Engage Today
Calling all entrepreneurs and lawyers! We want to know you, so please complete the business and lawyer listing on our website.
A digital listing of our deceased alumni is also now available on our website. Special thanks to Karen Willis (Col ’85) for being a tremendous recordkeeper and coordinator during Black Alumni Weekend’s Service of Remembrance.
Ubunye 2024 Annual Meeting
Saturday, June 8, 2024
1-3 p.m. ET
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 993 0424 7237
Passcode: 064137
Hoos Getting to Know You
Introducing Dr. Paul Harris (Col ’01) from our Ubunye Academics Committee. Dr. Harris is an Associate Professor of Education (Counselor Education) and African American Studies at Penn State University. See below to learn more about Dr. Harris!
