Schedule of Events

The purpose of this summit is to address the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and cultivate a supportive community that encourages collaboration, mentorship, crowdsourcing ideas, and provides actionable approaches to entrepreneurship challenges. Promoting diversity in entrepreneurship enhances innovation and brings different perspectives to the business landscape. Supporting Black entrepreneurs contributes to economic empowerment within communities and reduces wealth disparities. The summit will include  dynamic speakers and sessions that will help people with their businesses. By bringing together Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies in the entrepreneurship space, the summit aims to provide insights, strategies, and practical, applicable solutions to overcome barriers and promote the success of Black business owners. Lunch is included! 

This event is co-sponsored by the University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network and the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering (CMSE). For more information, please contact the University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network at blackterp@gmail.com.

The 2024 symposium will explore the intersections of social justice, entertainment and art. A panel discussion will address racial injustice and inequity and help participants develop tools and strategies to advance racial justice and healing and the role of artists and entertainers in the fight for social justice. Panelists such as Amanda Seales, Laura Coates, Nikkolas Smith and Keshia Knight Pulliam will share how they navigate these complex environments and use their gifts and platform to bring awareness to injustice, racism, hate and violence while providing the audience with inspiration and tools to use their own gifts and networks to bring change to our world. 

This event is in collaboration with the 2nd Lt. Richard W. Collins III Foundation and the UMD Anti-Black Racism Initiative.

Please contact Jeanette Snider (jcsnider@umd.edu), for any event-specific questions.

Join us for a  guided tour by the Driskell Center's Assistant Director of our newest exhibition. David C. Driskell & Friends: Creativity, Collaboration, and Friendship highlights the artistic legacy of David C. Driskell and the importance of his relationships with fellow artist friends—many of whom hold a significant place in the art canon. In 1976, Driskell curated the groundbreaking exhibition, Two Centuries of Black American Art: 1750–1950, which has been a foundation for the field of African American art history. The exhibition explores the work of, and Driskell’s relationships with, such figures as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, Keith Morrison, James Porter, Alma Thomas, Hale Woodruff, and many more. Original works of art created by Driskell are also featured, as well as ephemera from the Driskell Papers that exemplify the artists’ unique friendships.

For more information, please contact Abby Eron aeron@umd.edu. 

Join your CMNS community for food, drinks and networking. The program consists of an alumni panel discussion about diversity in professional science fields, an audience Q&A and time to mingle with fellow Science Terps!

All ARHU alumni and friends are welcome to visit with Dean Stephanie Shonekan and hear about how the college continues to grow and thrive. Mix and mingle with your fellow ARHU alumni, catch up with classmates, and network with colleagues. Dean Shonekan will share her insights from her first two years at UMD along with her priorities for the future. Sponsored by the ARHU Alumni Network.

For more information, please contact Greg Schofer, gschofer@umd.edu.

Socialize and network with your fellow Black Terps and faculty from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Complimentary light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided.

For more information, please contact Zackary Albrecht, zackarya@umd.edu.

Welcome back School of Public Policy Black alumni, to College Park and our new Thurgood Marshall Hall. We're honored to host you for a special reception as part of Black Alumni Weekend, celebrating your contributions to our community and beyond. Your achievements continue to inspire and shape the future of public policy, and we're thrilled to reconnect and honor your impactful legacy.

For more information, please contact Bryan Kempton, bkempton@umd.edu.

Join fellow Black Smith Terps for open networking. Catch up with former classmates, make new acquaintances, meet current staff, or connect with some of our current students during this relaxed event. Short remarks will be provided around 5:30 pm. Light hors d'oeuvres will be provided. 

Welcome back! The University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network looks forward to officially welcoming you to Black Alumni Weekend 2024. Join us for fun, food, drinks, laughter, reconnection, and community as we put our bold, black, brilliance on display.

Join the Office of Diversity & Inclusion to learn more about their work, highlighting two large initiatives: The 1856 Project & TerrapinSTRONG. The 1856 Project is UMDs branch of the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium. TerrapinSTRONG is a campuswide onboarding initiative, welcoming new people into our community with an emphasis on our commitment to DEI. The session will include opportunities for interaction in activities, discussion, & Q&A.

For more information, please contact Tait Brooks tbrook14@umd.edu.

Join the Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering for its annual Alumni Brunch and 43rd Annual Alumni Celebration.  CMSE alumni are invited back to campus to catch up with old classmates and make new connections. 

For more information, please contact Heather Medina hmedina@umd.edu 

Black Terp Fest is a family-friendly, live music festival that will showcase alumni artists and local talent. In addition to the main stage, there will be games, food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the festival. Black Terp Fest will be a festival of fun for all ages!

The UMD African American History and Walking Tour was developed by Dr. Kim J. Nickerson (BSOS).  Join the tour to be inspired as you visit campus landmarks that highlight the accomplishments and contributions to the U.S., civil rights, access to education, and development of the University of Maryland.  This walking tour covers a large part of the campus and requires walking, therefore, participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. 

The walking tour begins at the Rossborough Inn and ends at Frederick Douglass Square.

For more information, please contact Ms. Brittney Robinson at brobins7@umd.edu.

The Gift of Giving Gala is a scholarship and awards gala to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black alumni, students, faculty and staff. We will also give away scholarships to several current and incoming students through the Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship. This black-tie affair will bring together Black alumni and students with a seated dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. 

The Gift of Giving Gala is a scholarship and awards gala to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black alumni, students, faculty and staff. We will also give away scholarships to several current and incoming students through the Student Success Service Leadership Scholarship. This black-tie affair will bring together Black alumni and students with a seated dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. 

This is the DMV where Sundays are for brunch so come together one more time to close out Black Alumni Weekend at the Nyumburu Cultural Center!

For more information, please contact Anne Reese Carswell carswell@umd.edu.