The Black Colleagues Association (BCA) kicked off Homecoming weekend with a virtual scholarship celebration on Thursday where guests from across the country joined in to dance, share Redbird love, and give back to support Redbird students. The group flocked together and ended the night raising over $12,000.
Friday, BCA welcomed Redbird and Grammy award-winning poet J. Ivy as he dazzled with a spoken word performance for the alumni and their guests.
On Saturday, BCA members marched in the parade and handed out candy to revelers before heading over to the tailgate area for the yard show. The show featured members of the National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), showcased registered student organizations, crowned the Black student queen and king and acknowledged BCA’s scholarship winners.
Dr. Aja Holmes ’00, M.S. ’02, who co-chaired BCA Homecoming weekend along with Edwin Sargent ’96, compared the tailgate to a family reunion. “There is plenty of food to share, hugs for all and tons of photos to catch the moments in time.”
On Saturday night, BCA kept the party going with a sneaker ball where everyone dressed in their very best while enjoying the comfort of sneakers. The 360-degree photo booth tied the night up with a nice bow.
Sunday revealed the purpose of the weekend with a brunch to celebrate scholarship winners and express gratitude to our donors, including $7,000 in local sponsorships. This year BCA awarded $50,000 to 24 students.
Holmes said the record number of sponsorships will help offset the cost of the weekend. She also reflected on the fact that BCA exceeded its giving goal of $30,000, raising $30,548 from 157 donors.
“We’re Redbirds; that’s our bond. We know it’s about scholarships, and so folks just give so we can keep this Redbird synergy going. What we have is very special.”
See more photos of tailgating, the sneaker ball, and the scholarship brunch.
