Throughout February, in honor of Black History Month, we will be highlighting people and organizations that have made an impact on the Case Western Reserve community and society as a whole.
Over the past decade, the African American Alumni Association (AAAA) has provided engagement and networking opportunities to African American graduates of Case Western Reserve University, while also working to recruit and retain students of color.
The organization, which has existed informally since the 1970s, was officially established in 2009 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in the fall at homecoming.
The organization and its members are active year-round, on campus and beyond. In January, for example, they partnered with the Black Student Union to co-sponsor a mobile black history museum, through which audience members viewed artifacts that highlighted the trials and triumphs of black individuals in American history, pointed out parallels in today’s culture and challenged people to participate in lasting solutions to these recurring problems. As part of the mobile museum exhibit, AAAA presented a display featuring black history at the university, including student activists and notable alumni.
The organization’s president, Vera Perkins Hughes (WRC ’76), also sends out regular communications to its members highlighting alumni achievements, ways to be involved with the association, and on-campus news or activities of interest. View their latest newsletter.
AAAA includes more than 400 members; membership is open to anyone who has successfully completed at least one year of coursework at the university or is an instructor, administrator or parent of a student with African heritage.
Want to join? Fill out the alumni affinity group form.