Berklee Black Alumni Weekend

We are so excited to welcome you back to Berklee next week! On behalf of the Africana Studies Division and in partnership with Alumni Affairs, we are going #Black2Berklee! 

Throughout the history of Berklee, the presence, rich contributions and dynamic impact of Afro-diasporic (Black) students have remained foundational, treasured and vital to our global reach and our phenomenal legacy. In partnership with the Office of Alumni Affairs, the newly formed Africana Studies Division will welcome our Afro-diasporic (Black) alumni from across all of our learning environments (Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee Online, Berklee Valencia, and Berklee NYC) to the Boston campus for our first annual Black Alumni Weekend. We are so excited to convene with the goal of initiating an annual opportunity to celebrate one another, network, jam, and visit with former professors and staff, all while witnessing the exponential fruit of generations of student, staff, and faculty advocacy and activism.

Please see the itinerary below:

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Black Joy Block Party 
5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Black Alumni will be invited to join the Berklee Africana Studies Black Joy Block Party as a pre-event to engage with current students, staff, and faculty. 
7 Haviland Courtyard

Friday, September 27, 2024

Opening Reception and Jam Session 
7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Dress casual and come to experience an opportunity to network, be greeted by institutional leaders, receive inspiration and engage in creative expression. Enjoy appetizers, live music, panel discussion.
David Friend Recital Hall 
921 Boylston Street

Saturday, September 28, 2024

The State of Black Lives @ Berklee 
10:00 p.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come together with fellow Black alums for a discussion led by Black leaders at Berklee regarding Black lives at Berklee. Gain insights into Berklee’s efforts to support Black students, including initiatives dedicated to retention, graduation, and enhancing the institution’s experience.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
31 Hemenway, T401

Black2Berklee Luncheon 
12:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
31 Hemenway, T401

The Future of Africana Studies at Berklee 
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Experience the vision and future of Africana Studies through an in person interview with Dr. Emmett G. Price III, Founding Dean and Berklee College of Music alum and legacy parent Belinda McIlvaine.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
31 Hemenway, T401

Connecting the Dots 
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Come hear current students reflect on their experiences and engage in dialogue that will connect the dots from then to now. This panel will be moderated by Boston Conservatory at Berklee 2023 alum Treshor Webster, program Manager, Africana Studies.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee 
T401