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Black Alumni Association

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2025 Black History Month Events

BCBAA Fast Track Speed Networking

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST

Join us for BCBAA Fast Track, a virtual speed networking event for young alumni (Classes of 2014–2024) to celebrate Black History Month and build meaningful connections. With two engaging sessions, you’ll gain new perspectives, connections, and confidence to elevate your networking skills!

Hosts: Symone Howard 15 and Diamond Walker ‘17 

Register


Bear Necessities: Pajamas, Self-Care, and Community 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST

Join BCBAA for a cozy and relaxing virtual gathering of students and alumni! Bear Necessities: Pajamas, Self-Care, and Community will be a fun, casual event designed to bring together our community for an evening of self-care, connection, and good vibes. Whether you are lounging in your favorite pajamas or simply looking for ways to unwind, this event is all about nurturing our minds and spirits. Don’t forget to bring your favorite snack or beverage to enjoy as we connect and relax together!

Hosts: Praise Hall ’20 and Adriennie Hatten ‘90 

Register


BCBAA Virtual Happy Hour

Thursday, February, 20, 2025
7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. EST

Celebrate Black History Month and connect with fellow Black alumni at our virtual happy hour! Join us for an evening of networking, reminiscing, and celebrating the rich history and contributions of Black ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ Alumni. This is a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new connections within the Black alumni community, share experiences, and discuss the ongoing impact of Black history on our lives and the world today. We'll create a welcoming space for conversation, camaraderie, and celebration, honoring the past while looking towards the future.  

Hosts: Timothy Ballenger '05 and Adriennie Hatten '90


Register 


BCBAA Black History Month Reception - Washington, DC

Tuesday, February, 25, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST

Busboys and Poets 

450 K St NW, Washington, DC 

Join the BCBAA for an extraordinary evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration amongst ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾'s Black alumni community. The evening offers a unique opportunity for alumni to reconnect with old friends and forge new relationships. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. Please register by February 17.

Hosts: Symone Howard ‘15 and Anita Lewis ‘80 

Register


Recent Events

  • BCBAA New York City Reception, Hosted by Chris Seeley '94, P'26 & Staci Williams Seeley '90, P'26

  • BCBAA Annual Meeting, Homecoming 2024
  • BCBAA Coordinating Council RetreatFebruary 2024 
  • Black History Month 2023: , February 2023
  • Black History Month Mountian Take Over Ski Trip, February 2023
  • Black History Month 2023: BCBAA Conversation with Communications & Public Affairs Strategist Eric Hollister Williams '99, February 2023 
Members of BCBAA get together for a reception.
BCBAA Reception in NYC. October 2024.

2024 – 2025 Coordinating Council

Please find the BCBAA Constitution. For general questions or concerns, please contact:  BCBAA Leadership ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College at blackalumni@bowdoin.edu.

Michael Owens

Dr. Michael Owens '73, P'15 

Council Position: President

Location: San Diego, CA

Profession: Director of Medical Affairs and Administrative Support, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

Contact: mowens@bowdoin.edu

Praise Hall

Praise Hall '20

Council Position: Vice President

Location: Arlington, VA

Profession: Program Manager, Oak Spring Garden Foundation

Contact: phall@bowdoin.edu

Oscar Harrell III headshot

Oscar Harrell III '83

Council Position: Secretary

Location: Paducah, KY

Profession: VP, DEI & Employee Engagement, Ingram Industries Inc.

Timothy Ballenger headshot

Timothy Ballenger '05

Location: Bronx, NY

Profession: Head of Culture and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) at Veolia NA

Eric Bell

Eric Bell '93

Location: Newburgh, NY 

Profession: AmeriCorps Director, Mental Health Association of Columbia Greene County (Hudson NY)

Tawana Cook Purnell

Tawana Cook Purnell '75 

Location: Pittsburgh, PA 

Profession: Retired, Secondary Head of School 

Christine Copeland headshot

Dr. Christine Copeland '96

Location: Milton, MA

Profession: Principal, John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Naiima Fauntleroy headshot

Naiima Fauntleroy '00

Location: East Orange, NJ

Profession: City Council Member

Carroy Ferguson

Dr. Carroy Ferguson '68 

Location: Medford, MA

Profession: Professor of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Massachusetts Boston 

Adriennie Hatten

Dr. Adriennie Hatten '90 

Location Cleveland, OH 

Profession: Principal Consultant, A.Y. Hatten & Associates 

Alex Haskins headshot

Alex Haskins '11

Location: Wheaton, IL

Profession: Assistant Professor, Wheaton College

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William Holmes '77

Location: Deer Park, NY

Profession: Community Activist

Symone Howard

Symone Howard '15

Location: Washington, DC

Profession: Community Planner, US Marine Corps

Anita Lewis headshot

Anita Lewis '80

Location: Bowie, MD

Profession: Clinical Social Worker, Retired

Lyne Lucien

Lyne Lucien '13

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Profession: Artist/Art Director

Daryln McLean headshot

Daryl McLean '07

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Profession: SVP Communications Manager, Bank of America

Ayana Opong-Nyantekyi headshot

Ayana Opong-Nyantekyi '23

Location: Chicago, IL

Profession: Analyst at Kaufman Hall & Associates

Adam Stevens headshot

Adam Stevens '99

Location: New York, NY

Profession: Principal, Elementary School

Harrison Tate Jr headshot

Harrison Tate, Jr. '70

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Profession: Teacher

Diamond Walker

Diamond Walker '17

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Profession: Child/Adolescent Therapist, Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia 

Cynthia Zecic headshot

Cynthia Zecic '88

Location: Emeryville, CA

Profession: Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist

Joanne Somide

Joanne Somide '26

Location: Selkirk, NY

Position: Student Representative