African American Alumni Council

Yolanda Covington-Ward and Diamond Buadu
The Department of Africana Studies’ history of community-building and fostering critical conversations makes it an especially salient major for students wishing to tackle tough issues today. The new chair, Yolanda Covington-Ward, wants more people to know about it.
woman singing joyfully
The January event, held on the 50th anniversary of the sit-in, included a candlelight procession recreating the march from the student union to the Cathedral and a ceremony passing the mantle of Black Action Society leadership from one generation to the next.
Campbell in a red sweater
Best-selling author and Pitt alumna Bebe Moore Campbell (EDUC ’71) explored racial justice, childhood and friendships in her work. Recently, Pitt acquired her archives.
young woman with dark curly hair and sunglasses
In the tumult of 1968, a group of students gathered to form what would become the Black Action Society. The mission? To advocate for the concerns of Black students at Pitt and members of the local African American community.
a photo of Pitt's seal, cast in a blue light
The University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees approved the hiring of a chief investment officer and a treasurer for the University during its June 29 meeting. It also elected five new members.
Kathy Humphrey and Mrs. Irvis
Nearly 200 people gathered to honor the legacy of former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House of Representatives K. Leroy Irvis (LAW '54). The newly renamed K. Leroy Irvis Hall is the first building at Pitt named for an African-American.
woman smiling
Inspirational stories of pioneering lives highlighted Pitt's African American Alumni Council ceremony in June, during which five alumni were honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.