On September 25-27, the Harvard Black Alumni Society hosted the 2009 Harvard Black Alumni Weekend. Entitled “Turning Excellence into Action: Inspiring Change at Harvard and Beyond,” the event reunited hundreds of alumni, faculty, and students from across the University for a dynamic weekend filled with intellectual exchange and warm fellowship.

The weekend opened on Friday with a series of excellent opportunities to reconnect with the Harvard of today. First, the Association of Black Harvard Women (ABHW) and The Black Men's Forum (BMF), two active student groups, hosted Sisterhood and Brotherhood luncheons at the Faculty Club. Then, immediately following, curator Helen Molesworth, led a spirited and informative tour of the Sackler Museum’s African American art. For dinner, alumni enjoyed the much-improved dining halls of Leverett, Quincy, and Winthrop Houses. The day concluded at the Science Center with a lively reception and well-attended film festival featuring an array of impressive alumni work.

On Saturday, participants had the chance to hear from Harvard’s current leadership, as well as a host of dynamic and committed alumni. The opening remarks from Dean Evelynn Hammonds, and in particular, the moving address by President Drew Gilpin Faust set the tone for a truly extraordinary day. In the afternoon, a series of panels, including “Harvard as an Agent of Change,” “Ethics in Healthcare: Facing Twenty-First Century Challenges,” “The Black Image: Fairness and Accountability in the Digital Age,” and “Managing the Cycle: Empowering Your Career Though Times of Change,” inspired lasting and relevant exchanges through out the weekend.

The Saturday evening gala continued the theme of “Turning Excellence into Action” with an award for alumnus Alphonse “Buddy” Fletcher, Jr. AB ’87 and a meaningful keynote address from James E. Johnson AB ’83, JD ’86. With so much good will and fellowship, it is no surprise alumni, students, friends and faculty danced until the wee hours of the morning.

The Sunday Brunch, after such a vibrant weekend, offered the perfect opportunity for reflection and pride with a beautiful performance by the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College. All who attended the weekend left uplifted and inspired.