Approximately 40 years ago, America was in the midst of a national civil rights movement. College campuses across the country were involved in the movement with their struggle for change. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Black Action Society (BAS)—a student group organized in 1968—also was engaged in the movement to gain full access to success at the University. In a defining moment in 1969, when students occupied the University Computer Center, members of BAS negotiated a set of demands with the University chancellor relative to African American students, staff, faculty, administrators, curricular issues, and campus culture.

In the succeeding years, the University of Pittsburgh has, in a number of ways, experienced national distinction for the progress it has made toward diversity, as evidenced by its African American campus presence and its impact on the African American community.

During the 2009 Sankofa Homecoming and other times during this academic year, the African American Alumni Association (AAAC) will remember significant historical moments from 40 years ago to the present and celebrate with pride the progress and partnerships achieved at Pitt. AAAC, in partnership with Pitt, will publicly celebrate the University’s diversity successes, acknowledging its short- and long-term impact. Moreover, AAAC will enhance its understanding of what is needed by the University and the African American community to sustain success in the future and to create synergy between our achievements and current goals.

Our homecoming objectives are to have the largest return of African American alumni ever to Pitt and, with our progress and achievements, to inspire them to become actively involved in our alumni community at the University.

Linda Wharton-Boyd, PhD (A&S `72, `75G, `79G)
President, African American Alumni Council

For more information about the AAAC, visit: http://www.pittaaac.org

MEMORABILIA

A call for Pitt African American memorabilia and collector’s items from the 50’s to Today. 
Share pieces of your history by contributing memorabilia for a display over Homecoming weekend. 
Click here to learn where to send your memorabilia.

SOME OF GOD'S CHILDREN

The Some of God's Children Gospel Choir wants to welcome its alumni back to campus for this celebration and strongly encourages any of its alumni to participate in reunion performances during the reunion weekend.

To learn more, e-mail Paulette Rhone at: prhone.someofgodschildren@gmail.com.

PIONEERS OF CHANGE

Were you a Pioneer of Change in the Pitt African American Community?  If you were at Pitt between 1967 and 1972, you may be in one of the many groups being honored this year.  Read more about PIONEERS FOR CHANGE here.