USF Black Alumni Society

09/08/2026

Our panelists have officially been selected, representing Black USF experiences from the 1960s to present day. True Life: Black Experience at USF.

Presented in collaboration with the USF Institute on Black Life and moderated by its Director, Will Tyson , Ph.D., this conversation will bring together different decades, different journeys, and shared experiences with people who truly understand.

Join us Friday, September 18
USF Marshall Center
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Registration is limited, and lunch is included, provided by Inside the Box Catering, whose proceeds benefit Metropolitan Ministries.

https://eventful.usf.edu/alumni/groups/back-our-roots-campus-tour-and-alumni-panel-discussion-black-alumni-society-reunion-weekend-2026

ALL current students attend FREE, from high school through college. Student verification may be requested at the door.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-our-roots-student-registration-usf-black-alumni-reunion-weekend-tickets-1999628057348?aff=oddtdtcreator

*Adults accompanying students must purchase an adult ticket, and each student must be registered separately.

09/06/2026

Two weeks from today, we’ll be HONORING THE BAY.

The USF Black Alumni Society proudly presents the Honoring the Bay Awards Brunch, a celebration dedicated to recognizing USF Black Alumni whose leadership, service, and impact continue to strengthen our communities and inspire those who follow.

2026 HONOREES ARE:
✨Kyandra Darling
✨Garin Flowers
✨Dr. Natalie Powell-Glover
✨Verlon Salley

This is shaping up to be a sold out celebration, and we want you in the room. Secure your tickets tonight and join fellow Bulls as we honor achievement, community, service, and the continued legacy of Black excellence at USF.

Sunday, September 20 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Sam & Martha Gibbons Alumni Center
11810 USF Sago Drive | Tampa, FL 33620
$35 | Plated Brunch

Come together with fellow Bulls and Reserve your seat(s) today: https://eventful.usf.edu/alumni/groups/honoring-bay-awards-brunch-black-alumni-society-reunion-weekend-2026

09/05/2026

🏈 COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK, BULLS!

As USF kicks off against FIU today, BAS is officially calling out the Divine Nine! D9 STROLL OFF - $1,000 CASH PRIZE presented by Big Sal’s Sauce!

Join us at Bulls Take the Bay: The Final Tailgate at Ray Jay on Saturday, September 19 from 3:30–7 PM.

Tailgate tickets are NOW LIVE at https://linktr.ee/USFBlackAlumni and include Bethune BBQ + non-alcoholic drinks, a DJ, and complimentary Peach Cobbler Factory samples while supplies last. Additional desserts will be available for purchase.

NPHC, rep your letters. Who’s taking home the $1,000 👀

⚠️ Stroll Off participation does NOT require a tailgate ticket. Participants must represent an eligible NPHC chapter. Our goal is to have BAS and participating chapters within the same tailgate lot area.

🎟️ GET YOUR TAILGATE TICKETS TODAY
https://linktr.ee/USFBlackAlumni

Back to the Bay. Reconnect. Reignite. Represent. 🤘🏾

08/30/2026

With USF Football officially less than ONE WEEK away, we’re getting even MORE excited for one of the most anticipated events of Black Alumni Reunion Weekend. The Bulls kick off the 2026 season September 5 at Raymond James Stadium, which means our family reunion weekend is right around the corner.

BULLS TAKE THE BAY: The Final Tailgate at Ray Jay

We’re bringing the Black Alumni Society back to Raymond James Stadium for one final tailgate before USF heads home to its new on campus stadium.

Come ready for unlimited BBQ catered by Brian Bethune BBQ and , music by fellow USF Black Alumni and free samples from The Peach Cobbler Factory for the first 50 ticket holders.

And to our Divine Nine, you definitely don’t want to miss your chance to compete in our Stroll Off Competition for $1,000 in prize money!

Saturday, September 19
3:30 PM to 7:00 PM - $25 per person

Registration opens soon, so turn on your notifications and be ready when tickets drop.

This is The Final Tailgate at Ray Jay. You don’t want to miss it.

08/29/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

As we get closer to opening registration for each of our highly anticipated Back to the Bay: USF Black Alumni Society Reunion Weekend 2026 events this week, we’re also building the team that will help bring the weekend to life and we need YOU!

We’re looking for volunteers to help welcome alumni, support event check in, assist with setup/breakdown and keep each event running smoothly.

September 18–20, 2026
Multiple volunteer opportunities available throughout the weekend. Choose the event(s) that work best for your schedule.

Whether you can give a few hours or support us throughout the weekend, every helping hand makes an impact.

Scan the QR code or click the link https://forms.gle/3Ba2i5uq68jEZFXp8 to sign up and select where you’d like to volunteer.

Come back. Give back. Be part of the Bay.

08/21/2026

🚨 VENDORS WANTED! 🚨

We’re looking for health, wellness, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, food, and community focused vendors to join us and showcase their businesses and services to USF alumni, students, and the Tampa Bay community.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 USF Tampa Campus
5K Run + Wellness Market
Vendor opportunities available

Interested in being a vendor? Complete our Vendor Interest Form by scanning the QR code to be considered or clicking here: https://forms.gle/fpR8vELQes56iRge7
Space is limited, and submission of the form does not guarantee placement.

✨ Black owned and USF alumni owned businesses are especially encouraged to apply!

Come move, connect, promote your brand, and help us bring the Bay Back in Motion!

08/20/2026

REMEMBER THE TIME! Celebrating USF’s Black Alumni

Registration is officially OPEN for one of the most meaningful experiences of Black Alumni Reunion Weekend.

Join us Friday, September 18, as we celebrate the generations of Black Bulls who helped shape the USF experience and paved the way for those who followed.

Friday, September 18, 2026
Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Event: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Tampa’s Black History Museum
1213 N. Central Ave Tampa, FL 33602

We’re honored to welcome Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil (Otha Favors) of St. Petersburg as our featured speaker. A USF student advocate during the 1960s, he will share his unique memories of serving as a spokesman for Black students at USF during the Civil Rights era, including his experiences surrounding the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This FREE EVENT will also feature music by DJ Marvelous, live music by Aris Clark, refreshments, your favorite table games, fellowship across generations, and an open mic session:

“My Favorite Memories as a Student at USF”

This is more than a reception. It’s an opportunity to hear our history directly from those who lived it, celebrate how far we’ve come, and reconnect generations of USF Black alumni.

The event is now open for registration through our sponsoring partner, the Tampa Bay History Center. Visit their website, https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/event/remember-the-time/

For additional information, contact event coordinator Fred Hearns (USF Class of 1970, 2014) at 813-545-3183 or [email protected].

Come remember the time with us as we go Back to the Bay.

08/19/2026

REGISTRATION UPDATE

Registration and ticket sales for Back to the Bay: Black Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026 are temporarily closed and will reopen soon. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience, especially to those who have already attempted to register.

The moment registration and ticket sales officially open, you’ll be among the first to know.

Make sure you’re following us here on Facebook and IG and turn on your post notifications so you don’t miss the announcement.

Visit USF Black Alumni Society page, make sure you’re following us, then update your Follow or Notification settings to receive notifications for new posts.

SAVE THE DATES NOW - September 18 through 20, 2026

Registration is coming soon, and we can’t wait to welcome our Black Alumni family Back to the Bay!

06/09/2026

06/03/2026

LIVE PERFORMANCE ANNOUNCEMENT 🎶

We’re excited to welcome back Zeta The Babe to the 2026 Juneteenth Beacon of Change Celebration!

Known for her smooth blend of jazz, R&B, and soul, Zeta captivates audiences with her signature saxophone sound and dynamic stage presence. Returning for a second year, she’ll once again help set the tone for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and legacy in our community.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of inspiring moments and soulful sounds✨

June 13, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 11810 USF Sago Drive, Tampa, FL 33620

A limited number of tickets are still available.
Ticket purchase includes a three-course dinner with a vegan option available.

Tickets & Tables:
https://eventful.usf.edu/alumni/groups/juneteenth-beacon-change-2026