Dear Black Alumni Community

 We believe that it’s time to offer some clarity and direct the focus towards the important matters at hand.

Two Distinct Organizations, Two Different Missions

Let’s begin here:

Black Alumni Together and the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society (VTBAS) are two entirely separate organizations. We are NOT affiliated in any way with VTBAS, any other alumni organization/group, or any university. Black Alumni Together is a grassroots effort led entirely by Black alumni for Black alumni who are unapologetically Black.

Why We’re Here

Black Alumni Together was created to foster authentic bonds, community, and cultural alignment – things that many of us felt were lacking. Our focus is not on tradition for tradition’s sake. We’re focused on building a space where all Black alumni feel seen, welcomed, and valued—regardless of the decade you graduated in, background, title, or experience.

We're coming together in solidarity and fellowship, grounded in care for one another and a shared desire to create something meaningful and worth our time. Our identity is rooted in the people and our culture, not a connection to a university. While our alma mater is the common denominator, it is not the center of our work and attention.

At a time when the government and universities are not providing a climate that meets our needs, we must come together and meet those needs for ourselves. There is nothing that Black people cannot do for ourselves!

A Shift in Leadership and Vision

Alumni needs and interests constantly evolve. Diversity in age, industry, gender, etc. helps us reimagine the impact we could have if we mobilize effectively and without restrictions and barriers put in place by individuals and entities. DEI efforts are being dismantled around us—we need more doing than more talking. We need agility and awareness.

This moment demands fresh energy, new faces, honest conversations, and a willingness to take a different path—not gatekeeping or nostalgia for status at an organization that no longer serves us, and for some has never served them. We do not need permission or a permit to come together and be together.

The 2025 DMV Black Alumni Weekend

Black Alumni Together is hosting the 2025 DMV Black Alumni Weekend. There is a remarkable group of more than 20 alumni who are on the planning committee. The committee has been in place for 9+ months. These alumni are working diligently and overtime to ensure that you have an amazing experience. They represent a span of decades and we owe them a huge thank you in advance for the hours they have poured into this labor of love. This event is for all Black Alumni! Our efforts started from scratch. We are full-speed ahead and looking forward to seeing you and your crew!

It is the people who attend that make an event exciting and fun! There will be memories made, old and new school music played, spades trash talking, karaoke singing, good food and eating, relaxing time to catch up with the people who helped you make it through your college days, and professional networking. We are doing it for the culture and our culture will be on full display. The event will be magical if you make a commitment, show up, and encourage others to meet you there! We do not have many opportunities to bring the entire community together.

Looking Ahead

Black Alumni Together is here to uplift and move forward—together. We're creating something that reaches across generations and geographies, shaped by shared experience and a desire for engagement. For those still unsure of where to stand: just watch what we do. The difference will be clear.

We're not interested in competition or conflict. We’re committed to community.

We’re not fighting for a seat at the old table—we're building a new one.

We have an entire community of alumni that deserve connection, opportunity, and joy—and that is where our focus is.

To those who share that vision, please join in. Let’s build something real. And let’s do it together!

We can’t wait to see you at Black Alumni Weekend during Juneteenth, June 19th to 22nd, here in the Washington, DC area. You don’t want to miss it!

If you have any questions, please email support@blackalumnitogether.com.

In community, Laurie Brogdon '04 & '11 On behalf of Black Alumni Together & the DMV Black Alumni Weekend Planning Committee