Connecting with the African Diaspora via Ghana
We did it!! After several months of planning, organizing and recruitment, the BAMIT Travel Subcommittee under the auspices of the Board of Directors Program Committee led a group of twenty-nine BAMIT members and their guests on a sojourn through Ghana July 23 – August 3, 2023. The majority of the group selected the ten-day option during which we traveled across the country, beginning in Accra, through the traditional city of Kumasi, and ending with a two-day African safari in Mole National Park.
Dressed in Kente Cloth for the Namimg Ceremony
The group had the opportunity to visit and network with our MIT Ghanaian alumni brothers and sisters. Our BAMIT travelers and BAMIT Ghana hosts were able to share entrepreneurial endeavors in science and engineering, secondary and tertiary education, business, the arts, and government that demonstrated the strength and purpose of their MIT education.
Our experiences ranged from the awe of Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s government, to the history of W.E.B DuBois’ second home in Ghana, to our painful trek through the slave dungeons on the Cape Coast, to the joy of being “welcomed home” in a traditional naming ceremony.
Use this link to download the testimonials and additional pictures of our travel. Also, while visiting the Slave River, Samuel Nixon '77 represented the group for an interview on ATINKA TV in Ghana. See the video here.
Hopefully, you will be inspired to join us on our next planned BAMIT trips connecting us throughout the African Diaspora. We have spots available for our planned Ghana 2024 trip mid-July 2024 AND South Africa in 2025. Experience the leopards in Kruger or the mighty Victoria Falls!
Once registration opens, seats will fill quickly, so don’t delay.
Akwaaba BAMIT!
Group picture at Zaina Lodge in Mole
Slave Dungeon at Cape Coast
Black Alumni Reception at MIT Tech Reunions 2023
The Reception for Black Alumni at Tech Reunions was fun, heartwarming, and inspiring. This event, sponsored yearly by BAMIT, created a space where alumni from different generations can connect, celebrate, and reflect on their journeys and the progress they have made over the years.
Walter Gibbons, Michael Fant, Lyman Alexander, Paula Waters and Curt Morrow
The presence of members from the class of 1973, celebrating their 50th reunion, added a wonderful sense of continuity and legacy to the event. ’73 members in attendance were Lyman Alexander, Elliott Border, Chris Davis, Darryl Dawson, Michael Fant, Sylvester (Jim) Gates, Walter Gibbons, Inez Hope, Beverly Dalrymple Morrow, Curtis Morrow, Robert Thomas and Paula Waters. They, along with members of earlier classes, Warren Shaw ’72, Ahmad Salih ’72 and Linda Sharpe ’68, who were also in attendance, represent a group of individuals whose achievements have undoubtedly paved the way for younger generations.
Their stories of their MIT experiences reminded us of the challenges they faced and their courage in overcoming those challenges. Their words of wisdom offered a unique perspective that can inspire current and recent graduates, helping them navigate their own paths and overcome challenges.
The anecdotes and memories shared during the event not only created a sense of camaraderie among the attendees but also highlighted the power of mentorship and the impact that alumni can have on the success of current students.
The event is a reminder that the BAMIT community is a supportive and nurturing one, where past and present members come together to uplift and empower each other.
Curt Morrow and Beverly Dalyrmple Morrow also celebrated their 50th Anniversary
Elliott Borden, Chris Davis, Darryl Dawson, Sylvester Jim Gates, Inez Hope, Robert Thomas
Overall, the Reception for Black Alumni during Tech Reunions serves as a beautiful reminder of the strength of the BAMIT community, the importance of representation, and the enduring impact of shared experiences. It was truly a celebration of achievements, dreams, and the collective journey towards success.
Also, Michael Fant was the featured speaker at the 1973 50th Class Reunion Dinner.
2023 Black Graduate Celebration
BAMIT was proud to again sponsor the annual Black Graduate Celebration. This year’s event, held April 21, was the first in-person BGC since 2019. It was a resounding success, thanks to recently graduated organizers Kofi Blake and Devin Johnson, supported by members of the BAMIT Board and Moana Bentin of the alumni office.
The Keynote Address was given by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07).
The theme of BGC, chosen by the students, was “The Ache for Home.” The full quote from Maya Angelou’s book, All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, is “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
The entire event is available to view here.
