The 2022 University of Mississippi Black Alumni Reunion, held March 3-6, comprised over 15 different events and boasted the largest crowd of registrants to date. Traditionally held every three years, the reunion is a time to celebrate the vast contributions of black alumni to the university while recognizing individuals who paved the way.
This year’s reunion was originally slated for 2021, before being rescheduled due to the pandemic.
“The Black Alumni Reunion is a time for black graduates to return to the university for a time of enjoyment,” says Junae Johnson (BBA 15), Ole Miss Alumni Association assistant director for diversity and inclusion. “The weekend consisted of various events and activities to celebrate black excellence and to exhibit the different cultures that are intertwined in what we call home.”
As part of this year’s reunion, attendees were invited to a variety of events over a four-day span beginning on Thursday with the BAR Kickback party featuring karaoke in the Stark Family Garden at The Inn at Ole Miss.
Friday’s festivities included mixers with students and alumni as well as campus visits with the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and the College of Liberal Arts. The evening concluded with a Battle of the Greeks Step Show at Fulton Chapel followed by the Official Bar Party at the Powerhouse.
Other events held over the weekend included the Jackie Certion Walk, an Old Skool Jam, panel discussions, a picnic and Sunday devotional service.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Black Alumni Awards Gala held on Saturday night at The Inn at Ole Miss. The banquet celebrates the organization’s history, honors outstanding alumni and offers classmates a chance to reunite.
Six awards were presented to 11 honorees including the newly created Jackie Certion Guiding Light Award, given to Morgan Taylor-Burns (BA 13, MBA 15) and John Cochran (BE 01), and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award presented to Eric Brown (BPA 73, MURP 77) and Ryan Upshaw (BA 06, MA 08).
Other awards presented that evening included the Celebrated Athletics Award, presented to Derek Horne (BBA 87) and Jamil Northcutt (BSES 03, MA 04, PhD 13); Alumni Achievement Award, presented to Dexter McCain (BBA 92) and Suneisha Williams (BPS 10, JD 13); Dr. Jeanette Jennings “Trailblazer” Award, presented to James Hull (75); and the Wayne Johnson Community and Civic Award, presented to Ravyn Hampton (BAEd 20) and Herman Hicks (BA 80).