President's Message
Members of the African American Alumni Association,
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend in November. We had a great time! Spending time in fellowship with each of you at our Game Night and Candlelight Vigil, business meeting, Dinner Dance and Inspirational Breakfast filled my cup. It was an inspiration for what will continue to be true for the African American Alumni Association (AAAA).
Congratulations to our newly elected board members for the 2024-2026 term and to all the award recipients at the Dinner Dance. You can learn more about these outstanding individuals below. And, of course, a heartfelt congratulations to Linda Berry Wheatt (FSM ’72; GRS ’77, education), who was honored with the Daniel T. Clancy Service Award at the CWRU Homecoming Luncheon! Read on to find a recap of all the beautiful events from the weekend. It was a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Although homecoming has come to a close, we hope you will continue to engage with AAAA and your fellow alumni. Black History Month is fast approaching, and we're planning some exciting events, including our Day of Service at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the launch of a new lecture series. Be sure to stay tuned for more details! Additionally, look for Profiles of Inclusive Excellence, our collaboration with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Engagement, showcasing the university's Black faculty members.
I wish you joy, health and blessings as we move through the holiday season. I hope you enjoy this festive time with family and loved ones, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the new year.
Warmest regards,
Tiarra Thomas (CWR ’12)
President, African American Alumni Association
Homecoming Highlights Nov 14-17
Alumni Awards Luncheon
The Alumni Association of Case Western Reserve University recognized five alumni on Friday, Nov. 15, at Tinkham Veale University Center. Bradford Crews (MNO ’21), associate vice president, alumni relations welcomed guests and President Eric W. Kaler provided a university update.
Next, Gary Broadbent (LAW ’08, MGT ’10) and Alexander J. Kranz (WRC ’88) presented Alumni Association Awards to Lillian Miller Emmons (GRS ’81, health science education; GRS ’89, anthropology), Capricia P. Marshall (LAW ’90), Joseph A. Helpern (WRC ’77), Justin M. Bibb (LAW ’18, MGT ’18) and Linda Berry Wheatt (FSM ’72; GRS ’77, education).
Bibb, the second youngest person to serve as the mayor of Cleveland, was awarded the Young Alumni Award for his efforts to revitalize the city's Southeast side, increase resources for unhoused residents and enhance public safety. Mayor Bibb also serves on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Transit Authority, the Destination Cleveland tourism nonprofit and the LAND Studio arts and public-spaces organization.
Wheatt received the Daniel T. Clancy Alumni Service Award for 16 years of service to the African American Alumni Association. What started as a three-month project has become a lasting commitment for her to students and alumni. As communication chair for the organization since 2010, Wheatt manages the newsletter and Facebook page, sits on many committees and works with several university offices and organizations. She advises those who think they need more time or talent to serve to offer what they have. Says Wheatt, "You never know where it may lead."
AAAA congratulates all award recipients recognized during the weekend, including:
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Professional Achievement Award recipient Lisa McDuffie (SAS ’93);
- Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient Sherri Brandon (SAS ’00, MNO ’18);
- Louis Stokes Community Service Leadership Award recipient Sharyse N. Jones (SAS ’08);
- Early Career Success Award Malcolm D. Burton (SAS ’17);
- School of Dental Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Andre Mickel (DEN ’91, ’94); and
- School of Medicine Special Recognition Award recipient Carl Robson (MED ’66)
Candlelight Vigil and Mixer
The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Candlelight Vigil and Mixer in Frank N. and Jocelyne K. Linsalata Alumni Center on Nov. 15, was a trifecta of unity, affection and fun. Heather Burton set the mood when she referenced the song Home from her favorite movie The Wiz and reminded the audience that "when you're here, you're home."
Love, admiration and gratitude for Stephanie Tubbs Jones (FSM ’71, LAW ’74) were apparent in the photos submitted for the video and the words of those who knew her. She never met a stranger. The celebrated alumna was a founding member in 1968 of what is now the African American Society and house mother of the Black residence hall during the 1972-73 school year. Tubbs Jones was a caring friend and a great problem solver. She usually had the remedy for everything from where to get your hair done to how to avoid expulsion. She continued to advocate for her community throughout her lifetime of public service, both as a prosecutor and as the first black Congresswoman elected from Ohio. Sadly, Tubbs Jones passed from a ruptured aneurysm in 2008.
The theme of community continued with noted author, social worker, and youth development specialist Paul Hill Jr., and activist, author and scholar Donald Freeman (ADL ’61) as they conducted a unity circle, an African symbol of harmony and shared responsibility. Hill Jr. emphasized that service is more important than success, people are more important than possessions, and principle is more important than power. In closing, he directed the participants to raise their hands and shout "Harambee," a Swahili word that means “Let’s pull together,” three times.
The AAAA community expanded to include the Latinx Alumni Association, who joined them for games: Out of Bounds, which is a culturally relevant version of the board game Taboo, the always exciting Family Feud and The Key Word is Fun, which revealed that, among other things, the audience included a surfer, a scuba diver who had swum with sharks, and a woman powerlifter. The AAAA thanks all who attended and made the evening such a success.
Awards Celebration and Dance
The stars were out in Thwing Ballroom at the annual AAAA Awards Celebration and Dance on Nov. 16,. It was a stellar evening, from the sparkle of the ladies' attire to the speakers' brilliance, the attendees' joy and the energy on the dance floor. "There is no formula for excellence that doesn't include diversity," said Kaler in his opening remarks, and the diverse ages and talents in the room indeed made it an excellent night.
Past AAAA President Vera Perkins Hughes (WRC ’76) introduced the award recipients and presented the awards. Rising Star Award recipient George Bukenya (GRS ’23, medical physiology) was honored for his significant contributions to brain tumor research at Cleveland Clinic and for reinstating the CWRU NAACP campus chapter. George also tutors and mentors Provost Scholars, engaging Cleveland and East Cleveland high school students in "the relentless pursuit of excellence."
Donte Gibbs (CWR ’10, SAS ’12) received the Ella Mae Johnson Service Award for his insightful community leadership and advocacy. Donte co-founded the Boys to Men Health and Empowerment Summit and has delivered hundreds of gifts to homes in and around East Cleveland on Christmas Eve for 11 years. As Vice President of Community Partnerships at the Conservatory for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Gibbs also promotes environmental preservation, social justice and wellness.
The CWRU Biomedical Engineering Department, founded in May 1968, was one of the first in the country. Distinguished Academic Award recipient Abidemi Bolu Ajiboye, PhD was the first Black professor hired in the department and the first Black tenured and full professor. His groundbreaking work to restore lost motor and sensory function to people with debilitating spinal cord and stroke injuries has been featured on 60 Minutes and in commercials during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Clinical psychologist Linda Sharpe-Taylor (WRC ’78) is the recipient of the 2024 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Leadership Award. Sharpe-Taylor has postdoctoral training in family therapy and systemic approaches to community problems. She consults with public and private agencies in the greater St. Louis area. She has developed programs and services that address issues such as adolescent wellness, school violence, community building and risk reduction.
Licensed social worker Sharyse Jones (SAS ’08) is human services program manager at Cuyahoga Community College. She has more than 20 years of experience overseeing behavioral health, academic and social enrichment programs for disadvantaged youth. Jones received the President's Award for her years of service to AAAA. Association President Tiarra Thomas said, "Sharyse has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and support."
The program continued with Mark Smith (WRC ’75) updating the audience on the newly rebranded Reach Beyond Legacy scholarship campaign and Brian Webster introducing the 2024-2026 AAAA board:
- President Tiarra Thomas (CWR ’12)
- Vice President Brian Webster (CWR ’11)
- Secretary Tiana Ellington (MGT ’21)
- Treasurer Vincent Holland (GRS ’79, sociology)
At Large-Board Members
- Ivan Banks (WRC ’74)
- Chineze Enwonwu (DEN ’10)
- Johnathan Hicks (CWR ’21)
- Joanna Rusely (CWR ’94, SAS ’95)
- Arik Smith (CWR ’20)
In closing remarks, Robert L. Solomon, vice president of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Engagement, stated that spending time with the AAAA is among his favorite times on campus. He commended the organization for its persistence, resilience and legacy. The party then moved to the dance floor.
Inspirational Breakfast
In African cultures, the ritual of pouring libations is an essential ceremonial tradition and a way to honor the ancestors. "The water is symbolic of the waters of life," said David Smith (WRC '75) as he poured libation and invited audience members to speak the names of those upon whose shoulders they stand. It was a fitting introduction to the message of hope that followed.
John W. Patton, Jr., Esq. (WRC '75), legal counsel at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science and elder at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, drew from both areas of expertise to encourage those disappointed by the recent election results. "We are descendants of the ones who survived the trek from inner Africa to the coast, who survived the middle passage, slavery and discrimination, and we are still here," Patton said. "In this world, you will have trouble," promises John 16:33, "but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world." Patton, a lawyer accustomed to winning, assured participants, "We are on the winning team, God's team."
Regennia Williams (GRS ’01, history and museum studies), distinguished scholar of African American history and culture at the Cleveland History Center, closed the program by distributing the autobiography of another overcomer, Congressman Louis Stokes (HON ’91), whom House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi called "a man of humble beginnings and high principles" on the back cover of his book, The Gentleman From Ohio. Pelosi said, "Congressman Stokes broke through historic prejudice to become a trailblazing leader in the House of Representatives. In every arena, Lou insisted that America make real the full promise of our democracy,” a precedent to follow today.
Back in the Day - Joan Southgate (SAS ’54)
There were few Black students in Joan Southgate’s 1952 classes at the School of Applied Social Sciences—and few men—but she always felt accepted. Southgate had lived a life of diversity and inclusion in her hometown of Syracuse, New York, long before it was a common term. There, she thrived at Croton Elementary School despite usually being the only person of color in class. Perhaps her self-assurance came from growing up in an "outstanding family” with a nurturing mother, extroverted siblings and a professional artist for a father.
Southgate chose the School of Applied Social Sciences because people who knew her thought Western Reserve University was a better fit for graduate school than Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts—her other option. She remembers her scholarship being a few hundred dollars—enough so she did not have to work. Instead of living on campus, she lived in a house on East 22nd St. with three white students—one older and two closer to her age. A woman named Emma cooked for the four of them, and to her great delight, she got to take the bus back and forth to classes.
Southgate credits Western Reserve University for the opportunity to meet students from all kinds of places, and her school experience was “filled with lovely people who saw her for who she was.” Indeed, Fran Stewart, co-author of Southgate’s 2004 book, In Their Path, was the daughter-in-law of Western Reserve classmate Ginger Faye. After graduating in 1954, she began a thirty-year career in social work
Because Southgate’s mother was born in Auburn, New York—where Harriet Tubman lived from 1859 until her death—Joan had grown up on stories about the famous emancipator, who was also a bit of a social worker herself. Always devoted to those in need, Tubman welcomed into her home orphans, the disabled, and those too old to support themselves. In 1908, her dream was fulfilled when she opened the Harriet Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes, a nursing home for elderly and sick African Americans.
Southgate may have been influenced by Tubman’s social activism, but the idea to recreate the Underground Railroad trek came to her “out of nowhere” one day while walking in her neighborhood. In 2002, at 73, she began a 519-mile walk through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada to honor the 19th century freedom seekers whose steps she retraced.
The journey took her 18 months to complete. Like travelers on the Underground Railroad, she stayed with people she didn’t know, including those who had offered their homes when they learned from local newspapers that she would be passing through their towns. For Southgate, speaking to church congregations and school children along the way was an important part of the experience. One cherished memory included finding a man she had met twenty years earlier—when he was only 13 years old —and learning that he still shared the story of the freedom seekers. Another memory included the answer she received from a young, blond child—Helen—when Southgate asked a group of children what they thought freedom seekers would take with them on the journey. Helen’s response-“They’d have to take their hope."
Etched in Southgate’s mind is the bravery not only of the freedom seekers but also of the conductors, who were both black and white. They put themselves in danger to help “enslaved people,” a term more accurate than “slave,” because it maintains their identity as human beings and puts the onus onto the white people who forced them into that condition.
Southgate’s transforming journey gave rise to other enterprises. In 2003, she founded Restore Cleveland Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to telling Cleveland’s Underground Railroad history. She was also instrumental in revitalizing the Cozad-Bates House, the only pre-Civil War home in University Circle, into an interpretive center highlighting the area’s history of anti-slavery activism and honoring those seeking freedom.
Opened in 2022, the center adds a critical missing piece to the offerings of University Circle. Programming at the center—developed by the university’s Social Justice Institute—also explores the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments and how the impacts of slavery are still seen in today’s social issues.
Just as the Underground Railroad in the 19th century and George Floyd’s death in 2020 caused people to come together in protest, Joan Southgate urges people across color, creed and class to become active in doing freedom’s work today.
Reach Beyond Legacy: The Louis Stokes Fellowship in Community Development
Reach Beyond Legacy, the AAAA giving campaign, honors past trailblazers while supporting current and future students. The Louis Stokes Fellowship is one of the nine diversity scholarships funded by the campaign, fondly called "the Divine Nine" by AAAA campaign promoter Mark Smith.
A product of the Cleveland Public Schools, Louis Stokes (HON ’91) served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He took advantage of the G.I. Bill, attending Cleveland College from 1946 to 1948. He earned his JD from the Cleveland-Marshall Law School in 1953. Stokes established a thriving law practice in Cleveland with his brother Carl. By the 1960s, he became a formidable civil rights attorney, often taking cases pro bono to defend activists. On behalf of the NAACP, he helped challenge the 1965 Ohio redistricting that fragmented African-American voting strength. In 1967, he argued in Terry v. Ohio before the U.S. Supreme Court, which set a precedent for police search and seizure procedures.
In 1968, Stokes became the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio and served 15 consecutive terms. He resumed his law practice after retiring in 1999. He became a distinguished visiting professor at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Upon his passing in 2015, President Barack Obama issued this statement: "Growing up in Depression-era Cleveland, Lou triumphed over hardship to become a passionate voice for those less fortunate...Lou leaves an indelible legacy behind the countless young leaders he inspired."
This Fellowship honors Stokes' efforts by providing full tuition to students who demonstrate leadership in community development and dedication to improving the lives of underserved populations.
Please consider donating to this scholarship or another part of AAAA's Reach Beyond Legacy initiative.
Support a new Black business
We would love to promote your business in the newsletter or include it in the African American Alumni Association Directory of Black Businesses. Please send your name, affiliation, business name and focus, business email, website, and phone number to alumnirelations@case.edu.
The Myron Matlock Scholarship
The African American Society (AfroAm) is one of the oldest and most active student organizations on campus. It exists as a platform for Black students at Case Western Reserve University to educate others about African American culture and raise awareness of issues in the community.
Each year, AfroAm offers a scholarship to one active general-body member. Recently, this scholarship was renamed the Myron Matlock Scholarship in honor of Myron Matlock (CWR '06), an AfroAm alumnus and a senior technical advisor at HNTB Corporation. With the help of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and AfroAm, which Myron called judgment-free zones, he built lifelong connections. He gained the support he needed to turn his academic career around. His life-changing experience with AfroAm encouraged him to give back to the Black community at CWRU.
With this scholarship, AfroAm aims to appreciate and support the ambitions of general-body members and carry on Matlock's motivation of giving back. Donate to the Myron Matlock Scholarship.
Save the dates!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Convocation
- Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
Service Day at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank
- Early Feb. 2025
Sip and Learn
- Mid Feb. 2025
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