Celebrating Northwestern Alumni During Black History Month
Each February, Americans observe Black History Month by celebrating the legacy, resilience, and achievements of Black Americans. The Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) is taking this opportunity to reflect on the myriad contributions Black alums have made to the University and society. We’re highlighting just a few of the people, resources, and organizations shaping and sharing Black history and enriching the Northwestern community.
About the Northwestern University Black Alumni Association (NUBAA)
NUBAA represents the interests of Black alumni at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Their mission is to deepen members’ commitment to Northwestern and support the University’s efforts to recruit and graduate more Black scholars. NUBAA fulfills this mission by providing extensive alumni networking opportunities and financial support for programs designed to increase the Black student population, including scholarships. Learn more about the club and its programs. Renew your membership or join today.
Discover NUBAA
Alumni-Founded Organization Introduces Kids to Black Heroes
Alumni Webinar with Jermaine McGill ’05
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Noon–1 p.m. CST
Virtual (Zoom)
Join the NAA for an alumni webinar with Jermaine McGill ’05, founder of Meet the Heroes. McGill started Meet the Heroes as an interactive Black history event and expanded it into a small nonprofit that works with schools in North Carolina. Designed like a living museum with actors, activities, and crafts, Meet the Heroes provides an opportunity for students and families to learn about historical figures and their personal stories of triumph, perseverance, and success. Join us as McGill shares his experience building an organization that celebrates Black history.
Investing in the Future
Excerpt from Northwestern magazine, Winter 2025
Sharon Bowen ’82 JD, MBA, ’23 H stands on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) trading floor, surrounded by a group of college students. Moments earlier, they had watched as Bowen, on the podium overlooking the historic space, participated in the afternoon closing bell ceremony to signal the trading day’s end. As a line of visitors snakes past, the students pepper Bowen with questions.
A young woman asks about imposter syndrome. The notion comes up whenever Bowen is asked about being the first woman or person of color to chair NYSE’s board of directors. In fact, Bowen’s career in corporate law and financial regulation comprises many firsts—moments where she broke gender or racial barriers—and she has excelled in mentoring others who hope to follow in her footsteps.
“If you have a little bit of imposter syndrome, you can overcome it,” Bowen counsels. “Wear your power when you walk in the room,” she says, straightening up to demonstrate. “If you are confident in your skin, people will know that.”
Get the full story and enjoy a video featuring Sharon Bowen in Northwestern magazine.
Northwestern Intersections Podcast
Discover how key experiences have propelled the lives and careers of Black alumni. Enjoy past podcast episodes exploring the US Civil Rights Movement, representation in the horror genre, personal connections to pivotal moments in American history, and more.
Choose an episode title to explore each recording, alumni bio, and transcript.
Episode 151: A Northwestern Life, with MaryAnn Ihejirika Marsh ’85Episode 149: Memoir, Family, and Truth, with Leta McCollough Seletzky ’98
Episode 132: Bending the Arc of History Toward Justice, with Terry Franklin ’84
Episode 109a: On Writing and Teaching, and the Black Horror Renaissance, with Tananarive Due ’87, Part 1
Episode 109b: On Writing and Teaching, and the Black Horror Renaissance, with Tananarive Due ’87, Part 2
Episode 97: Celebrating and Remembering the History of Black America, with Deborah Douglas ’89
The Black Experience at Northwestern Research Guide
This University Libraries’ resource includes three robust, online exhibits. The collections are focused on the historic 1968 Northwestern Bursar’s Office Takeover when students of For Members Only (FMO) and Afro-American Student Union (AASU) presented demands to the University; the Northwestern Community Ensemble gospel choir; and Chicago’s history of protest spanning 150 years.
MLK Commemoration 2025
The Northwestern community celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an expanded special commemoration including events and projects throughout the month of January to inspire reflection on Dr. King’s life and legacy. Access videos on demand including the recorded keynote presentation featuring Shermann “Dilla” Thomas in conversation with Natalie Moore ’99 MS, senior lecturer and director of audio journalism programming at the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.
On Campus: Black Arts Consortium Flourishing
From the School of Communication’s Dialogue magazine, Fall 2024
The Black Arts Consortium (BAC), Northwestern’s interdisciplinary initiative of artists and art scholars, was founded by School of Communication Dean E. Patrick Johnson in 2012. Recently, BAC has expanded its offerings and events to include a summer institute, collaborations, and high-profile guest speakers. Learn more about BAC’s dynamic programming and work over the past year and discover what’s in store for the future.
