A Year-in-Review: Honoring Legacy and Building for the Future
As 2024 comes to a close, I am grateful for the Bowdoin College Black Alumni Association (BCBAA) and the community we continue to build together. Grounded in the legacy of John Brown Russwurm, Bowdoin’s first Black graduate in 1826, BCBAA strives to honor the past, engage the present, and shape the future for alumni and students of African descent.
This year has been a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to rise to the challenges of our time, to support one another, and to continue building a strong, thriving network for generations to come.
Honoring Legacy: Building on Strength and Resilience
At the heart of BCBAA’s mission is a commitment to celebrating and amplifying the voices of our community. In moments of reflection, we are reminded of the profound contributions of those who came before us, who paved the way for progress and connection. This year, we honor not only our collective history but also the individuals who exemplify the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Bowdoin’s Black alumni.
|
Spotlight: Alvin Hall ’74
One such individual is Alvin Hall ’74, whose book “Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance” (published by Amistad/HarperCollins) illuminates the untold stories of resilience, connection, and survival during a pivotal era in US history. The book evolved from his award-winning, 10-episode podcast series of the same name that Alvin created and produced with Macmillan Podcasts. (It’s available on all podcast platforms.) He also created a short (40-minute) documentary, “Driving the Green Book (on Long Island)” that has been a jury selection at film festivals across the US and has twice won the Best Documentary award.
With his co-producers at Submarine, Alvin is currently producing a documentary feature film, directed by the legendary director Sam Pollard, on the untold, inspiring history of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Tennessee. Like his recent broadcast for the BBC World Service, “Alvin Hall’s Other America,” his recent writings, programs, and broadcasts are testaments to the enduring power of storytelling.
Alvin’s exploration of the Green Book and other stories about the Black life in the US are celebrations of history and reminders of what can be accomplished when communities come together to support and uplift one another.
At a time when efforts to achieve fairness, inclusion and equity face significant challenges, Alvin’s work inspires us to remain committed to fostering belonging, celebrating identity, and creating space for all voices to be heard.
As we reflect on this year, let Alvin’s work remind us that even in difficult times, we can draw strength from the stories of those who came before us—and the connections we continue to build with one another.
|
Strengthening Connections in 2024
This year, BCBAA brought Black alumni together through several receptions and events across the country:
These events remind us of the power of our network to inspire and support one another. Whether sharing stories, building friendships, or mentoring the next generation, BCBAA is committed to fostering meaningful connections that strengthen our community.
|
Take Time to Reflect
We invite you to reflect on your memories of your undergraduate career at Bowdoin College, specifically as it relates to ways you and your fellow students acknowledged Black life, history, or culture in the Pines. We intend to compile these memories for sharing and distribution during the celebration of Black History Month 2025, this coming February.
Complete your entry to be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 4 Bowdoin branded prizes, simply by sharing your memories of great times with your classmates, faculty, or staff. Feel free to share a story, commentary about a specific event, or even provide some input on your role for making things happen on campus. Photos are also welcome. Please submit your reflection to by January 15, 2025 here:
|
Looking Ahead to 2025
The new year is an opportunity to deepen our engagement and come together as a community. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Crystal Welch Memorial Scholarship Fund:
-
Support this vital fund to honor Crystal’s legacy and invest in the next generation of leaders. Donate here.
- Black History Month 2025
- February 1 - Mountain Takeover - Ski Day, Mt. Abram, Greenwood, ME
-
February 5, 8:00 pm ET - BCBAA Fast Track: Speed Networking for Young Alumni, Virtual
- TBD, Regional Reception, Washington, DC
- Reunion 2025:
- Plan to attend Reunion 2025 (May 29 – June 1), a powerful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate our shared history.
- Homecoming 2025:
- Save the date for Homecoming 2025, (October 3 - 4), a time to connect with current students, faculty and fellow alumni.
-
Mentorship Program:
-
Applications are now open for Cohort III of the BCBAA Mentorship Program. This initiative connects alumni with students of African descent to provide guidance, career preparation, and support as they navigate their Bowdoin experience. Click below by January 8:
|
In Memoriam
This year, we said goodbye to two remarkable members of our community whose legacies continue to inspire us:
-
Crystal Welch ’04: A founding member and vice president of BCBAA, Crystal was a passionate advocate for social justice whose work transformed lives. The Crystal L. Welch ’04 Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in her honor, supporting students who embody her spirit of activism and leadership. Learn more here.
-
James Daniels III '76: A beloved scholar and leader whose impact was felt across generations. His dedication to education and equity leaves a lasting legacy. Read more here.
As we honor their lives, let us carry their dedication forward by investing in the future of Bowdoin students.
| |
A Note from Vice President Praise Hall ’20
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the mounting challenges we are navigating today. It is tempting to just keep going, without ever stopping to pause, reflect and think. My prayer is that, despite the chaos, we remember the collective power of kindness, love and hope and do our best to cultivate such forces daily. Ever important are the core values that shape our perspectives and frame our worlds.
Through it all, I am endlessly thankful and honored to walk beside you. May you have a blessed end to your year. - Praise Hall ‘20
|
Closing Remarks
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Your contributions—whether through mentorship, financial support, or simply showing up—strengthen our shared legacy and ensure a bright future for Black alumni and students of Bowdoin.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year. We look forward to seeing you at an event or meeting in 2025!
In solidarity,
Tim Ballenger '05 & Daryl McLean '07
Communications Committee Co-Chairs
Bowdoin College Black Alumni Association
| | | | |
