it all started with a question…
The inception of our journey can be traced back to a thought-provoking question raised on Facebook on April 14, 2016. The inquiry delved into the current state of fraternities and sororities affiliated with the National Pan-Hellenic Council on UNF's campus, aiming to identify means of revitalizing interest in these organizations. As conversations unfolded, diverse discussions emerged, giving rise to various groups. Ultimately, it was concluded that the waning interest in the NPHC was directly linked to the inadequate recognition of minority-based organizations within UNF as a whole. On April 16, 2016, a collective of alumni officially established what would later become the UNF Black Alumni Association.
With a clear focus on financial contributions and direct personal involvement, we, as minority alumni of UNF, have undertaken the responsibility of engaging the current minority population to discern their needs and ensure their fulfillment. Furthermore, we have strived to address our individual concerns as alumni to the alumni association and university leadership, advocating for the recognition of minority alumni's past contributions to the university and acknowledging their present endeavors that positively impact society.
Our solution emerged as a weekend dedicated to fostering social connections and networking opportunities between minority alumni, particularly African American alumni, and the minority student population. This endeavor aimed to address the aforementioned concerns comprehensively, thus giving birth to the UNF Black Alumni Weekend. Since its inception through that Facebook post in 2016, the UNF Black Alumni Weekend has experienced remarkable growth. It has evolved into a committee comprising numerous members and subcommittees, hosting a series of events, thus transcending its initial role as merely a weekend gathering.
Driven by a resolute sense of accountability to the 1,100 black and brown alumni we represent, it became evident that our weekend gathering needed to transform into an association. On May 4, 2018, the UNF Black Alumni Weekend officially transitioned into an event organized by the Black Alumni Association, marked by the inaugural Black Alumni General Body meeting in the fall of 2018.
With the 2019 Black Alumni Weekend setting unprecedented attendance records, the BAA embarked on the implementation of numerous community service programs, extending throughout 2019 and into 2020. None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of the UNF Alumni Association and its director, Jennifer Perkins, who emerged as one of the BAA's most ardent advocates during her tenure with the UNF Alumni Association.
As is true for many, the years 2020 and 2021 have presented extraordinary challenges for the world at large. When BAA Founder, Jonathan Johnson, captured a photograph in February 2020, little did he know that a global lockdown would ensue, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the 5th-year anniversary of Black Alumni Weekend in 2021. Fortunately, with the advent of vaccines, we were able to resume programming in the fall of 2021, and Black Alumni Weekend made its triumphant return as Black Alumni Week in 2022!
Surpassing all expectations and achieving resounding success. This momentous occasion witnessed a remarkable increase in fundraising efforts, generating unprecedented financial support for our cause. The renewed energy and enthusiasm surrounding the event propelled it to new heights, solidifying its significance within our organization and the broader community.
During this period, our esteemed Chairman, Brandon Jacobs, made a transition from his longstanding role as the sole Chairman of the BAA to assume the position of Advisory Council President. In this capacity, he now oversees the non-profit arm of the BAA, ensuring its effective functioning and continued success. Stepping into the role of Chairman in 2023, we welcomed Alex Linton as our new leader, following the departure of Roderica Johnson, our second Chairman.
Under Alex's dynamic leadership, Black Alumni Week 2023 shattered all previous revenue records, reaffirming its position as a key driver of financial support for our organization. Inspired by this achievement, we are now actively working towards reintroducing the exhilarating Swoop Olympics and the physical version of the Alumni Achievement Awards in the upcoming fall of 2023.
2024: A Year of Expansion and Impact
Alex Linton was re-elected as Chair for the 2024-2026 term, and under her continued leadership, the BAA reached new heights. Black Alumni Week 2024 was another resounding success, showcasing the strength of our community and our ability to connect alumni, students, and supporters in meaningful ways.
In addition to event successes, the BAA has begun expanding its relationship with the larger Jacksonville community. For example, we partnered to provide bus transportation for students to the Center 1 Foundation's HBCU College Fair. This effort demonstrated that while we come from a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), our focus remains on getting students to college—whether it’s UNF or another institution where they can thrive.
Looking ahead, the BAA is actively working to deepen relationships with local high schools. By fostering these connections, we aim to create a pipeline of future Ospreys while also supporting the broader educational aspirations of young Black students in the area.
We are also prioritizing deeper engagement with our alumni. Their involvement is crucial to our growth and fundraising efforts, ensuring that we can continue to provide scholarships, community outreach programs, and transformative opportunities in an ever-changing social and political climate.
As we prepare for our 10th Anniversary in 2026, we invite all alumni, students, and supporters to join us in this journey of growth, connection, and impact. Together, we can continue to uplift and empower our community while building a legacy for generations to come.
