The Spring 2023 issue of the African American Alumni Association of 窪蹋勛圖厙 newsletter brings you a note from the president, reflections on the Weekend in Washington D.C., upcoming events to add to your calendar and much more.
President's letter
Fellow members of the African American Alumni Association of 窪蹋勛圖厙,
I am absolutely invigorated after a very successful trip to Washington, D.C., in March. What an amazing weekend full of learning, fellowship and memorable experiences, as we recognized and celebrated the wisdom and accomplishments of African Americans through the ages. It was a long time coming. Immediate Past President Vera Perkins-Hughes worked alongside former Assistant Director of Affinity Groups Christal Crosby to set the vision, and I could not be more honored to see it come to fruition.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thank-you to President Eric W. Kaler and Mrs. Karen F. Kaler for joining us. We also extend our appreciation to the staff of The Alumni Association of 窪蹋勛圖厙, particularly Brad Crews, Sara Lyons and Katie Kimble, for all of their hard work and dedication. This program could not have happened without your support.
If you werent able to join us in D.C., dont worry! You can read all about it here, and there will be many other opportunities to connect. Whether it is attending our events, supporting one of our board committees or all of the above, there is something for everyone.
Though the trip to D.C. may have been our main focus in March, Id be remiss if I didnt recognize Womens History Month. The African American Alumni Association Board has grown thanks to the women leaders before me, and we are at a stage in history where our country is doing the same. As I think of current women in leadership such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Associate Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and others, I also think of those who came before them, including our very own Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (FSM 71, LAW 74), Cleveland Councilwoman Fannie Mae Lewis and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress. While there is still work to be done to secure the rights of women across the world, I am confident in the change agents working to build a brighter future.
As I reflect on the programming of the past few weeks, I could not be more thankful for this community that is the African American Alumni Association.
Tiarra Thomas (CWR 12)
President, African American Alumni Association of 窪蹋勛圖厙
Weekend in Washington, D.C.
Last month, the African American Alumni Association of 窪蹋勛圖厙 made its first out-of-state trip since it became an official university affinity group in 2009. Their pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., in March harkened back to the groups early days, when alumni would organize reunions around the country in each others homes.
This time, they had the logistical support of 窪蹋勛圖厙 staff and were joined by President Eric W. Kaler and Mrs. Karen F. Kaler, in addition to D.C./Baltimore Chapter alumni. And while they didnt meet in a house, they began the weekend by hearing from a local alumna.
Elaine Nichols (SAS 80), supervisory curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), kicked things off with a presentation about her work and the following day, attendees were given access to the museum for a self-guided tour.
Bookending the trip was a breakfast with New Mexico alumna Bettye Kearse (MED 79), author of The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family, who shared her story and a vibrant discussion with Mrs. Kaler.
Im a history nerd and going to the NMAAHC was a personal goal of mine, said Tiarra Thomas (CWR 12), president of the African American Alumni Association. It was incredible to learn so much about our history we wouldnt know otherwise, and to share that with each other. The fact that we were able to come together in that way was absolutely amazing.
If you missed the weekend, Thomas encourages you to start getting involved however you canwith the university and with each other. We have a strong network of alumni all over the country, she said. Take advantage of that! Find your 窪蹋勛圖厙 people, wherever you are, and keep those connections alive.
More than 100 attendees enjoyed the weekends activities, and some shared their reflections with us. Read more about each event and .
Go team!
The 窪蹋勛圖厙 Black Law Students Association Mock Trial Team has made us proud yet again!
In a thrilling but unsurprising run, the 窪蹋勛圖厙 team took first place at the Midwest Regional Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition in Chicago. Two weeks later, they secured second place at the national competition in Washington, D.C. Thomas Lipker, Aanya Myrie-Silburn, Nneka Onyekwuluje, Xavier Poplawski, Tyler Tipton and Ryn Wayman comprised this years team.
There is a reason legal dramas have dominated primetime television the past 70 years, with icons such as Annalise Keating, Claire Huxtable, Joan Clayton and Olivia Pope capturing the nations attention just as much asif not more sothan their white counterparts.
As Judge Michelle Earley (LAW 99) once said to a room full of first-year BLSA students: Nobody can tell a story like Black people. But unlike actors, team 窪蹋勛圖厙 had to deliver Emmy-level performances and win based on the real, unscripted intricacies of the law. No disrespect to televisions leading lawyers, but weve never seen any of them perform a reverse 403 balancing test in response to a real time objection.
The Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition stands apart from the rest because it celebrates the legacy of Black lawyers, who make up just 5% of all lawyers. The challenging environment reflects the fact that the very brightest Black lawyers arent merely competing to wintheyre competing to get free. In a profession that beholds precedent yet ignores how the subjugation of Black people molded that precedent, the skill set required to get free isnt traditionally on the law school menu.
BLSA Mock Trial competitions serve as environments for Black law students across the country to spar with one another, test ideas and even get burned a few times, all before it really counts. There is a certain confidence that competitors gain that they carry with them long after their mock trial years, empowering them through the challenges they will face throughout their careers.
It is undeniable that team 窪蹋勛圖厙s fire is sustained by the attorneys that came before them, including Stephanie Tubbs Jones (FSM 71, LAW 74), Fred Gray (LAW 54) and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb (LAW 18). The team, coached by McClellon Cox (LAW 19), also benefited from unfettered access to Ayesha Bell Hardaway (LAW 04) and Bryan Adamson (LAW 90).
The African American Alumni Association is incredibly proud of this years team and their second place finish. This years team consisted of first- and second-year law students eligible to compete next year, so we know theyll be entering the 2023-2024 school year hungry for that national championship title.
Written by Makela Hayford (CWR 18, LAW 22)
Beyond 窪蹋勛圖厙: Professional tips from Black alumni
In a collaborative effort, the African American Society, Black Student Union and National Society of Black Engineers hosted a panel event on March 9, featuring accomplished Black 窪蹋勛圖厙 alumni from various professional fields. The event provided an opportunity for more than 40 students to engage with the panelists, who shared valuable insights on navigating careers as Black professionals, leveraging 窪蹋勛圖厙 resources for postgraduate success, and addressing common postcollegiate challenges, such as imposter syndrome and self-care.
Key takeaways from the discussions included the importance of authenticity in the workplace, seeking advocates and allies to amplify one's voice, and embracing one's unique journey without comparison. The event was met with great feedback and concluded by providing students with networking opportunities, potential mentorship connections and practical support from 窪蹋勛圖厙s Career Center.
Written by Arik Smith, (CWR '19)
Mark your calendars
Join The Alumni Association in person or online for the Hudson Relays窪蹋勛圖厙s annual 26-mile relay around campus dating back to 1910. We also want your suggestions for a team slogan! Send them to alumnirelations@case.edu.
The African American Alumni Association, in partnership with the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity and the African and African American studies minor, invites you to join us virtually for this upcoming from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on May 10.
Black Graduation, May 16
Join us in the Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom for Black Graduation, Tuesday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration information coming soon.
Stay Connected
We want to keep up with you! Tell us your news, promote your business and share ideas for future newsletters. Email alumnirelations@case.edu with your name, graduation information (year, school/program) and any relevant links.