Clark Black Alumni Association (CBAA) | Alumni

The Black Alumni Association of Clark University seeks to affirm, enrich, and serve the Black experience at and beyond the University. The group’s objective is to support the development and growth of the institution’s Black alumni. A hallmark of the group is to foster connections and networking across generations.

In keeping with Clark’s motto “challenge convention and change our world” the association will also consult with the Clark University administration regarding matters critical to the group’s infrastructure and purpose. These core concerns involve (but are not limited to):

The hiring and retention of Black faculty and staff
Recruiting, retaining and sustaining Black students and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the institution.

The Black Alumni Association believes that it is foundationally important to support the development and growth of the institution’s Black student body and will strive to achieve these goals through various initiatives. Through the group’s purpose and mission, Black alumni and current students alike will remain engaged with Clark to create a lasting impact within the spaces they navigate once departing from Clark University.

This Alumni Association will work closely with the Alumni Relations Office to host networking events, career development sessions, and panels to fulfill its mission. These events function not just as a bridge for alumni to connect with one another but also as an important vessel for current students to build relationships with Clark’s illustrious alumni.

Learn more about the formation and purpose of the CBAA in this article from ClarkNOW.

Our leaders

Inez Williams-Gaye ’07

Co-Leader of CBAA

Johnna Plunkett-Chappell ’09, M.S.

Co-Leader of CBAA

Janette Ekanem ’09, MPA ’10, J.D.

Co-Leader of CBAA

Joanna da Cunha-Semedo ’15, M.A. ’16

Co-Leader of CBAA

Shawnasia Black ’08, MSCP ’09

Co-Leader of CBAA

Ask questions and get involved!

For any general questions, please email us at cbaa@clarku.edu. Interested in opportunities for engagement: joining CBAA as a leader, assisting with programming, or receiving community-specific emails and updates? Fill out the Alumni Intake Form or send it to fellow alumni who might be a good fit!

Get involved with us

Events

Throughout the year, the CBAA hosts a variety of events, both in-person and virtually. Recent events include:

Alumni & Friends Virtual Book Club, Black History Month: Kindred by Octavia Butler.
Company One Theatre and the CBAA Present: “The Boy Who Kissed the Sky”
A Celebration of Race & Redemption: A Virtual Juneteenth Event
BIPOC Affinity Social at Reunion Weekend
Black History Month Alumni & Friends Virtual Book Club
Cocktails and Conversation with the CBAA
“can i touch it?” Performance and Clark reception
A Celebration of Race & Identity in the Arts (A Juneteenth Event)