What began as a gloomy, rainy morning turned into a festive afternoon full of Redbird love at the Illinois State University Black Colleagues Association (BCA) annual cookout held June 25 in Chicago. It was the BCA’s first picnic since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic caused all alumni gatherings to go virtual. Hugs, laughter, food, and music brought together 65 alumni to reconnect and enjoy friendships established a little over two hours away at Illinois State.
Alfreda Keith Keller, a 1975 graduate, did not come looking for anyone in particular. “After COVID, whoever I see, I’m glad to see. I just like being around,” Keller said. Keller was pleased to see a number of younger alumni, like Dorian Williams ’15. Williams made a point not to miss his first BCA picnic despite the dreary start to the day. “I wanted to show up and support BCA. Everyone was very warm, welcoming, and nice.” The criminal justice major has been involved in past BCA events and is looking forward to being more involved in the months and years to come.
The picnic also gave BCA a chance to support the broader Illinois State University community. A core value of the Black Colleagues Association is community, according to BCA Vice President Dennis Banks. As a part of #RedbirdImpact Month, picnic attendees donated canned goods and other items, which added up to two large tubs of nonperishable food items and toiletries for the School Street Pantry, which serves Bloomington-Normal college students.
The picnic was the second event of the weekend. The night before, about 50 alumni attended a special reception at the Oak Lawn Hilton to honor Andrew Purnell Jr. ’57, who blessed many lives before he passed away in 2020. Purnell helped charter the BCA. He served on the Alumni Association board of directors and was one of the founders of the University’s first NAACP chapter. Banks said, “It is essential that we slow down and acknowledge those who carved out the path for us to flourish.”
Acknowledging our trailblazers, Banks said, is part of BCA leading with intention. For alumni who want to be part of the organization’s efforts, it’s as simple as fellowshipping with other Redbirds. Williams especially encourages other young alumni to join the BCA because “it’s a benefit having other people who want to see the University continue to recognize and help enroll students who look like me.” Keith Keller adds that getting involved is a duty because the younger generation has to “carry on the torch.”
More photos from the weekend can be found on the ISU Flickr account.
Do you live outside Central Illinois and want to spend time with other Illinois State University grads? Chicago is surely not alone in its desire to bring together alumni living in a particular geographical location. Anyone interested in getting involved or hosting an event can reach out to Lindsay Vahl Dean ’06, M.S. ’09, senior director for Alumni Engagement and BCA liaison.
