50th Anniversary Celebration
Since 1969, the Africana Center has stood as a beacon for students of African descent—and for all students at Tufts. More than a place, it’s a supportive community where students are encouraged to come together, access resources, develop their talents, and strive to be their best.
Our 50th Anniversary Celebration during Homecoming Weekend, held October 18 - 20, 2019, was a chance to remember the difference the Africana Center has made for you. We reconnected with old friends, meet some new ones, and helped build a stronger and more connected Black Alumni Association.
Program Highlights
- Friday: Registered, reunited, and viewed a historical timeline of the Africana Center legacy while listening to the styling of the Joel LaRue Smith Quartet at the Welcome Reception.
- Saturday: Continued the celebration at the fourth annual Homecoming Tailgate, hosted by the Tufts Black Alumni Association.
- Saturday evening: Dressed in your best Wakandan wares to showcase the regality of black pride at the Tuftonian Wakanda Gala at Gifford House, The President’s Residence.
- Sunday: Closed out the weekend with a celebration of black spirituality, music, and culture followed by a jazz brunch.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Click here to enjoy a slideshow celebrating 50 years of history!
Schedule of Events
| Date, Time, and Location | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Friday, October 18, 2019 | Welcome Back Opening Reception Join the Africana Center as we welcome back the herd to their beloved space of community and personal growth: Tuft University. Register, reunite with friends and classmates, and take in an historical timeline of the Africana Center’s legacy while listening to the styling of Joel Larue Smith‘s Tufts Jazz Quartet as we kick off the celebration of 50 years of Black Excellence at Tufts. |
| Friday, October 18, 2019 | Alumni Networking The weekend would not be complete without some time for networking and connecting. Please join us for drinks and light refreshments while catching up with alumni and others who share your professional interests. |
| Saturday, October 19, 2019 | Bruce Griffey Leadership and Diversity Grant Breakfast Reception Come enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and hear from the amazing recipients of the 2019 internship grant about their internship experience. |
| Saturday, October 19, 2019 | African American Trail Walking Tour The African American Trail Project is a city-wide organizational network and community-based archive housed at Tufts University. Driven by faculty and student research, the project maps African American public history sites, known and unknown, while developing collaborative, community-based public history projects across greater Boston. Come explore the eleven markers on our campus that document the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans past and present to Tufts University. |
| Saturday, October 19, 2019 | Tufts Black Alumni Association Homecoming Tailgate Affair The Tufts Black Alumni Association is excited to host its fifth annual Tufts Black Homecoming Tailgate Affair in conjunction with the Africana Center’s 50th Anniversary weekend celebration. The success and growth of this tradition allows Black alumni, administrators, professors and current students the chance to connect and enjoy Homecoming festivities as only we know how. Embrace the food, spirit and culture of our growing community with us. |
| Saturday, October 19, 2019 | Tuftonian Wakanda Gala on the President’s Lawn Come dressed in your best Wakandan wares and showcase the regality of Black pride. With an aesthetic to make you feel like you’re actually in Wakanda, there will be a red carpet for you to stunt your style. You’ll also be served a specialty drink and buffet dinner. |
| Saturday, October 19, 2019 | Throw It Back After Party Join the Africana Center as we walk down memory lane—but you may remember it as Professors Row-- to end the evening! Let’s boogie down/groove/jam/get lit to the tunes of yesteryear and today for a throwback party in Hotung Café! No need to change clothing, but we all remember what the party scene was in Capen/Dewick/Hotung afterhours…proceed with caution, but just make sure you make it! |
| Sunday, October 20, 2019 | Food for the Soul: A Celebration of Black Joy and Resilience at Tufts and Closing Jazz Brunch Join the Tufts Black Alumni Association and Africana Center for a celebration of Black spirituality, music, and culture at Tufts in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Tufts University Africana Center. A dynamic group of current students and alumni will share stories that inspire hope and healing with special musical performances. |
Merchandise
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Leadership Giving: 50 for the 50th
The Tufts Black Alumni Association is leading a special fundraising campaign in honor of the Africana Center’s 50th Anniversary. The goal is for 50 donors to contribute $1,000 or more to support the mission of the Africana Center. Every donor at this level will receive a special VIP ticket for the 50th celebration.
The annual fund is a vital source of support for the Africana Center. 50 for the 50th is an opportunity for alumni to celebrate the impact the Africana Center had on their student experience and to ensure it begins the next 50 years from a position of strength.
Please contact Sean Devendorf, Senior Director, Annual Giving at sean.devendorf@tufts.edu or 617-627-5335 for more information.
Gifts of all sizes are appreciated in support of the Africana Center. You can add a gift to your event registration or click here to give if you cannot attend