PRELIMINARY
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
2024 Black History Month Theme: African Americans and the Arts
FRIDAY, FEB. 23
10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
McGriff Alumni House
Stop by to pick up your packet and get a final schedule, a directory of Black alumni, and your weekend souvenir. Be sure to check out the Benjamin Network merch table and other displays.
1–3 p.m. Ralston Listening Library Open
Enjoy music from African American musical influences in the award-winning state-of-the-art audio environment. There are sure to be special jazz selections that we know Mr. Benjamin would love.
3-5 p.m.
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, sponsored by the Roberson Project
Gailor Hall, Room 02
Help document Black and Brown alumni experiences for posterity. To sign up, learn more, and to listen to last year's oral histories, click here.
5:30 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Learning Commons
Have a drink (wine from Black-owned business) and heavy appetizers on the first floor of duPont library. Hang out with other Black alumni, see the exhibition of Black alumni publications in the lobby. Welcome remarks by Jessica Hardy, C’06, Vice-President of the Benjamin Network Board.
6:30 p.m.
Tambiko Libation Ceremony
Learning Commons
Participate in this African form of praise which pays homage to those who have passed away. We will honor the departed Black alumni for the inspiration and values they left for others at Sewanee. Led by Hulbert "Kwesi Jumoke" James Jr, C'87.
Dinner on your own
9-11 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT:
GAME NIGHT
Multicultural Center
Spades tournament, dominos, board games—prizes, too! Bar, snacks, soft drinks/hot chocolate provided.
SATURDAY, FEB. 24
8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION
McGriff Alumni House
Stop by to pick up your packet, get a final schedule, a directory of Black alumni, and your weekend souvenir. Don’t forget to take a look at the 55 Years of Black Alumni plaque that was installed to document the important occasion.
9 am.-4 p.m.
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, sponsored by the Roberson Project
Gailor Hall, Room 02
Help document Black and Brown alumni experiences for posterity. To sign up, learn more, and to listen to last year's oral histories, click here.
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
DANCE CLASS with Desiree Samuel
Wellness Commons (old university bookstore)
My name is Desireé Samuel. I’m a proud member of the class of 2016 and Sassy (Posse) 6. Upon graduating, I returned to Washington D.C. to serve as a Teach for America Corps member. While serving, I also completed my Masters of Science in Education at Johns Hopkins. Currently, I am in my 8th year of teaching elementary and middle school ELA. When I’m not teaching children, I enjoy teaching adult dance fitness classes.
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
DANCE CLASS with Joey Adams
Wellness Commons (old university bookstore)
Joey Adams, a native Washingtonian, grew up in the arts as an escape to another dimension. Catching the attention of her elementary music teacher, she was introduced to ballet, tap, and jazz in the 4th grade where her training began.
Throughout her time in school, Joey trained heavily in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and African dance through the Washington Ballet. Through the Washington Ballet, Joey debuted in her first major production, The Nutcracker, as a frontier girl. She continued her dance journey throughout college, joining the dance team and participating in the dance productions.
Once she graduated, she joined a semi-pro dance team, DMV Lady Warriors, for 3 years, her last year being captain. She is currently one of the captains of an adult dance company, Bliss Dance Company, soon celebrating 6 years. She also currently teaches at Certified Dance Studio in Alexandria, VA, and Abundant Dance Studio in Capitol Heights, MD.
On and off the dance floor, Joey is known for her bubbly personality yet fiery and high energy! She empowers all whom she encounters and hopes to inspire others to create their own method of escape which increases the levels of self-appreciation and self-confidence! As she says, “You can be whoever you choose to be in the dance world and that’s the fun part of it!”
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
LUNCH AT MCCLURG Students and alumni
Mentor students and share your expertise on careers, life after Sewanee, and advice for living in a city. Your nametag gets you in McClurg. Go through the lines and experience dining as the students do. Bring your meal upstairs to the balcony.
1 - 2 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (old EQB House behind the old bookstore)
A center dedicated to DEI, Inclusive Excellence, Equity, Equality, and Title IX located in the heart of campus has been created and opened its doors in 2023. Come meet the staff of the new office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who will host the Benjamin Network participants for an open house with refreshments. We will be joined by prospective students who are on campus for the office of admission "Preview" program. Your presence can allow the prospective students to picture themselves at Sewanee and you can help answer questions they may have.
Build-your-own pizza dessert and enjoy the new art on display.
2-4 p.m.
NETWORKING GATHERING
Biehl Commons (old Thompson Union building)
Get a glimpse at the brand-new student center. Enjoy the fireplace, big screen TV, pool table, and more while networking with current Black students. The on-site cafe is closed, but snacks will be provided.
6:30 p.m.–midnight
BENJAMIN NETWORK PURPLE CARPET GALA AND DJ PARTY
Sewanee Inn
Don’t miss this Black-tie signature event, featuring a performance by the Sewanee Praise choir. Walk the purple carpet to enter the Sewanee Inn for drinks. Take in an elegant dinner at the Sewanee Inn. Learn about the Benjamin Network from President Curtis Johnson, C'14, and be welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen. Celebrate the impact Black students and alumni have had on the University of the South and dance the night away at the DJ party with DJ John Doe. Sponsored by the Benjamin Network and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
10:30 a.m.–noon
CHAMPAGNE AND MIMOSA BRUNCH McGriff Alumni House
This farewell reception will be the perfect way to hang out, say goodbye, talk about future events, and celebrate the success of the inaugural Benjamin Network Weekend.
