5th Annual Benjamin Network Gathering - February 27 - March 1, 2026 - SAVE THE DATE

REGISTRATION is open.
Preliminary WEEKEND SCHEDULE 
WHO'S COMING 
PHOTOS FROM THE BENJAMIN NETWORK WEEKEND

The Benjamin Network seeks to empower, connect, and celebrate Sewanee’s Black alumni while supporting the greater Sewanee community. Our goals include:

  • Providing opportunities for networking and professional development
  • Providing support to the community through volunteer opportunities
  • Connecting to current students and the University
  • Increasing the number of active Black alumni
  • Developing new experiences and opportunities for Black alumni
The Benjamin Network Board Members
  • Jessica Hardy, C’06, Memphis TN – Vice-President
  • Curtis Johnson, C’14, Atlanta, GA – President
  • Brittany Macon C’14, Nashville, TN – Alumni Executive Board member
  • Carla Reed, C’08, Washington, DC – Past President
  • Trey Reliford, C’10, Old Hickory, TN – At-Large Member
  • Natychia Redmond, C’99, Sewanee, TN – Faculty/Staff Member

Contact the board with questions, comments, or suggestions at benjaminnetwork@sewanee.edu

Reach out

Please help us spread the word about the 55 Years of Black Alumni Celebration. Get in touch with your Sewanee friends and let them know about this website and our Facebook group. Make sure we have your latest contact information, too–especially email.

About Eric Benjamin, C'73

The Benjamin Network is named in honor of Eric Benjamin, C'73, the Director of Multicultural Affairs for 40 years.  To learn more about him, read this resolution that was presented to him on the occasion of his retirement in February 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS

Benjamin Network Weekend
Save the Date 2026- Feb. 27-March 1

The inaugural annual Benjamin Network Weekend 

Join other Black alumni on the Mountain for an event like no other.  We’ll honor Black History Month as we celebrate and connect Sewanee’s Black alumni through the following activities:
- networking opportunities
- DEI news from Chief Diversity Officer Sibby Anderson-Thompkins
- a purple carpet Gala
and much more

55 Years of Black Alumni event REPLAYS
Watch the replays of events
Watch the replays
Research Summary
by the Roberson Project

A Research Summary on Slavery and Race at the University of the South and in the Community of Sewanee

Read the summary
Sewanee's First Black Graduate of the College
Judge Nathaniel Owens, C'70
Read Judge Owen's trailblazing story
The Rev. Joseph Green, T'65, H'10
The first black graduate of the School of Theology
Read about Joseph Green
Black Firsts at Sewanee
See how black alumni have contributed to Sewanee
Black Firsts at Sewanee
Timeline
55 Years of Black Alumni: a Timeline
Read about the contributions and milestones of Black alumni