Black Alumni Reunion

We want to honor our Black history at RISD. Without the resilience of those who came before us, we would not be here today. We are moving through time from the past to the future, rediscovering and projecting new possibilities for our Black Alumni. We recognize the labor and discipline it takes to overcome the systematic structures that seek to limit our creative access and advancement. Owning our legacy preserves our future.

Together, we will define a “New Space”. This is our history to remember. Our time to redefine.

2024 Events Schedule 

Thursday, May 30

6-7:30 pm
Owning our legacy preserves our future. A Conversation on Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch

Nancy Elizabeth Prophet was one of the first known African American and Indigenous women to graduate from Rhode Island School of Design. Although she paved the way for the students who would come after her, until this exhibition, her legacy and story have lived in the shadows of RISD culture. This first-ever retrospective, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch, showcases all of Prophet's works and sheds light on her thinking, process, struggles and successes. Panelists Cheryl Miller 71 HD 22, Kelly Walters MFA 15 GD, Sylvia Rodriguez and moderator Alison Croney Moses 06 FD, Black women alumni and a current student, will come together to discuss the path they walked made possible by Nancy Prophet's life and the future they hope for the next generations of Black students who will experience a RISD where Nancy Prophet is part of History, part of the culture, part of the pride of RISD.

Friday, May 31

1-3pm
Black Alumni Welcome Meetup 
Celebrate Black Alumni and Students at our informal welcome gathering. Connect over light refreshments and grab a Black Alumni swag bag to take home.
Location: Ewing House

4-6:30 pm
Black Biennial Reception
Join us for a closing reception for the RISD Black Biennial celebrating RISD's Black Artists and Designers. The first half of the evening will be a private reception for Black Alumni Reunion attendees and BAAD students and a chance to connect with President’s Medal of Honor recipient Dot Ford and other celebrated Black Alumni.

During the second part of the evening, the Black Alumni Affinity Group invites all affinity groups and members of the community to join the reception from 5-6:30 pm.
Location: Gelman Gallery / Moore Terrace

Saturday, June 1

1:30-4 pm
RISD Black Alumni Family Reunion & Cookout
After Commencement join us for a BBQ style cookout with food, music by Aarin Clemens, games with prizes and a group photo.
Location: MET Upper Quad

Sunday, June 2

11 am-12:30 pm
Farewell Brunch
Our final event during the RISD Black Alumni Reunion weekend provides an opportunity to hear about the work of two Black Alumni and participate in a roundtable discussion to define the "New Space" at RISD.

We will begin with an extension of the Black Alumni affinity group's "What Are We Up To?" event series. During the event's second half, Holistic Student Wellness will lead a roundtable discussion on President Williams' Initiative, which interrogates the degree to which RISD's environment—both academic and non-academic—supports or inhibits the wellness of RISD students.  
Location: The MET

Accessibility

If you have questions about accessibility or accommodations, please contact Claire Robinson at crobinso@risd.edu.

RISD Black Alumni Reunion Advisory Board 

Ashleigh Axios 08 GD, RISD Board of Trustees
Vincent Brathwaite 05 ID, Black Alumni Affinity Group Chair
Jess Brown MID 09
Jevon Brown 23 TX
Gabrielle Bullock 84 AR, RISD Board of Trustees
Tiffany Cooper 12 FAV*
Karen Harris 86 IL P 18 P 13*
Judith Michelle Hill 77 TX
Tony Johnson 93 SC
Jarrett Key MFA 20 PT, Co-Chair, Alumni Association Awards Committee
Jon Key 13 GD, Co-Chair, Alumni Association Awards Committee
Rey Londres 22 PH
Cheryl D. Miller 71 HD 22
Alison Croney Moses 06 FD
Rene Payne 83 GD, Black Alumni Reunion Advisory Board Chair
A. Odell Richardson 79 AR
Francesca Scott 82 PH*
Keita Turner 91 AP

*RISD Black Alumni Affinity Group

_{Lead photo credit: Francesca Scott 82 PH}