Case Western Reserve University - African American Alumni Association

10/23/2026

Timely in its message, “I Just Can’t Give Up Now”, the moving song sung by Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Marilyn Mobley (GRS'87) expressed the theme of the African American Alumni Association Inspirational Breakfast, October 11, 2026. In the welcome by President Brian Webster (CWR’11), the pouring of libations by Past President Vera Perkins-Hughes (WRC’76), the address by Dr. Mobley, and the closing song led by Vice President Dominique McIntyre (MNO’25), it was evident that “we’ve come too far from where we started from.” Quoting such scriptures as 2 Timothy 1:7 and Micah 6:8, Mobley implored listeners to keep the faith, stay connected, use their gifts, and vote in the mid-terms as if their lives depended on it.

10/19/2026

Why You Should Vote
Imagine waking up the day after an election and realizing that an important decision was made about you without you. The leaders chosen, the priorities set, and the direction of your community will affect your daily life—whether you participated or not. Voting is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to help shape those decisions.

Voting gives you a voice. As John Lewis, Congressman and civil rights leader said, “The vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” Decisions made by elected officials influence our schools, neighborhoods, transportation, public safety, health care, taxes, and economic opportunities. Your ballot allows you to say what matters to you. If you stay silent, those choices will still be made, just without you. Other people will make those choices—and they may not share your priorities.

Voting is how democracy stays accountable. Elections remind leaders that public service comes with responsibility. When people participate, elected officials must pay attention, explain their decisions, and respond to the communities they represent. This is especially impactful when the voting percentage from a precinct is high. A ballot is not just a vote for a person; it is a message about the kind of leadership and future we expect.

We are living in an information environment shaped by social media, artificial intelligence, misleading headlines, and rapidly spreading rumors. That makes informed voting more necessary—not less. Verify claims, compare credible sources, listen beyond our usual circles, and judge candidates by their records, character, and plans. Cast a thoughtful ballot; don’t allow cynicism or confusion to make its choices.

Be informed. Make a plan. Show up. Vote- because the future is decided by those who do!

Alumna Marquita Stephens,
President and CEO, Urban League Twin Cities

Click the link to read the entire article.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12j3l6XvqF4-VcedSgJuaYPXNw81c9qWb/view?usp=drivesdk

10/19/2026

Free event!
The Robert P. Madison Family supports an annual public lecture which educates the community about the importance of the Cleveland Museum of Art's African and African American collections. Please take advantage of this invitation from alumni Jeanne Madison and Robert P. Madison to join their family and friends for this FREE event Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 2p.m., at the museum, 11150 East Blvd. 44106.

Imagination as Method: Emma Amos, Art, and Creativity. Presented by Dr. Rhea L. Combs:

https://www.clevelandart.org/features/gift-emma-amos-friends

Tickets are required. Reserve your free tickets here. https://www.clevelandart.org/events/imagination-method-emma-amos-art-and-creativity.

One of Emma Amos’s priorities for The Gift was that it would grant her friends increased recognition and offer role models to future generations. In a proposal that she drafted for a publication based on The Gift, Amos noted her plan to include brief illustrated biographies of each sitter. Carr...

10/18/2026

The African American Alumni Association (AAAA) Gala on October 10, 2026, was both an evening to honor deserving alumni and an opportunity to remind attendees that there is still work to be done. President-elect Brian Webster recognized outgoing president Tiarra Thomas for her many years of service to the AAAA. Former president Vera Perkins-Hughes presented awards to others who exemplify excellence and commitment.

Program participants also challenged attendees to action. "Our education is a calling to use what we've learned to make a difference. Never underestimate the power of showing up" (Kari Cunningham).

"Use your influence to help others believe you belong" (Phyllis Harris).

"Vote in the midterms, and find other ways to make our voices heard," urged closing speaker Robert Solomon, Esq., Vice President for Campus Enrichment and Engagement. "There is power in our shared legacy."

The evening ended with a lively dance party.

10/15/2026

Homecoming Highlight
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (STJ) was part of a cohort of student leaders who founded what is now the CWRU African American Society. She was also the first African American (AA) prosecutor in Ohio, and the first AA woman from Ohio to be elected to the House of Representatives. To access more STJ Vigil or Game Night photos by Georgio Sabino (GS3 Art and Photography), please click the link. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pn_w_vWAotgwF80kR4iBzVWTwiZGtxJY

10/13/2026

CWRU President Eric Kaler and wife Karen, African American Alumni Association President Brian Webster, Associate Director of Alumni Affinity Programs Malik Murray, and many administrators, staff, alumni, family, and friends were in the house on the evening of October 11, 2026, when the CWRU African American Society presented its 53rd annual Ebony Ball. A celebration of Black Magic which referenced the poem by Tupac Shakur, "The Rose that Grew Through Concrete", the Ball praised the resilience of Black people and the power of community. Said Keynote Speaker Ayonna Blue Donald, "A rose can grow through concrete on its own, but a garden flourishes when it is nourished."

10/10/2026

African American Alumni Association Game Night! We had a ball!

10/09/2026

It was perfect weather for the CWRU Blue Bash. Were you there?