BIPOC Alumni of Independent School Gather to Build Community
Conasia Watts ’13, Nailah Hines ‘13, Anthony Ramirez II ‘96, and Ty Hyderally ’85 were part of a contingency of proud HM Lions at the March 7th reception. (Photo credit: Natalie Sanchez)
The evening of March 7th offered an opportunity for independent school alumni who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) and reside in the NYC-area to gather together for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community building.
The event was organized by Independent Trust -- a nonprofit that supports the professional goals of independent school alumni of color – and co-sponsored by Horace Mann, Brearley, and Dalton. One of the sponsors of the occasion, Brearley, generously provided a beautiful meeting space in its newly constructed building at 590 East 83rd Street on the Upper East Side.
Alumni from numerous local independent schools were present, including HM, Dalton, Fieldston, Riverdale, Allen Stevenson, Nightingale, Poly Prep, Sacred Heart, Browning, Choate Rosemary Hall, Chapin, Pomfret, Friends Seminary, and Xavier, among others.
Photo credit: Natalie Sanchez
Events like these that offer safe spaces for BIPOC alumni to make connections are helping to grow a national network of professionals who support each other socially, emotionally, and professionally. By forging new connections, sharing experiences, and networking for jobs and volunteer causes, BIPOC alumni are galvanizing their collective power and strengthening outcomes for the next generation. Ultimately, these community building efforts are serving as a guiding light for students following in their footsteps.