Hopkins Black Alumni/ae Network Hosts Inaugural Mentorship Luncheon

On Sunday, June 3, the Hopkins Black Alumni/ae Network (HBAN) held their inaugural mentorship luncheon in the Heath Dining Room with over 80 alumni/ae, students, and parents attending. HBAN works to promote diversity and inclusion within the Hopkins community, and has grown its membership to include over 100 alumni/ae.

Led by Trustee Medina Tyson Jett '83, the Executive Committee including Laina Jones Cox '97, Barbara Watley-Young '83, Janay Sylvester '08, and Nyah Macklin '12, conceptualized and organized the event. The luncheon focused on the first major initiative of HBAN- a mentorship program between black alumni/ae and students.

After being welcomed by Kai Bynum, Head of School, and Medina Jett, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet before the presentations began. Laina Cox led group icebreaker activities and kicked off the mentorship program, which will officially be launched at Homecoming on October 20, 2018. Barbara Watley-Young introduced two guests speakers, L'Heureux Lewis-McCoy '96 and Kevin Suber '81, who provided encouragement and motivation for the group. Nyah Macklin then led a celebration of the 8 members of the class of 2018, welcoming them into HBAN with open arms. Janay Sylvester then spoke about membership in the group, encouraging all attendees to become official HBAN members, and Medina Jett concluded the afternoon with an emotional thanks to all for making one of her dreams for the School a reality.

The group looks forward to more events in the future and continuing to build attendance and engage black alumni/ae near and far. If you are interested in the mission of the group or in joining, please contact Janay at jnsylvester@gmail.com.