Organization of Black Alumni

The Organization of Black Alumni is an established alumni identity and affinity group whose mission is to unite, empower, connect, and highlight Wayne State's Black alumni. Together, we make a positive impact on participants, prospective and current students, the university, and the greater Detroit community. 

Connect with us

Complete our interest form to connect with a tight-knit group of like-minded Black alumni and allies who are committed to moving the needle forward. OBA community representatives are aligned with opportunities to learn, lead, network, mentor, volunteer, socialize and receive recognition. 

Submit OBA Community Interest Form

Welcome Guide

Celebrating Juneteenth

2023 WSU Juneteenth Opening Celebration


Monday, June 12
2 to 4 p.m.
Undergraduate Library, David Adamany Bernath Auditorium

Register

2023 WSU Juneteenth Celebration of Black art


Wednesday, June 14
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Undergraduate Library
David Adamany Bernath Auditorium

Register

Juneteenth: Freedoms, Education
and Resilience


Thursday, June 15
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, Freedom Hall Atrium and Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium

Register

2023 WSU Juneteenth
Closing Celebration


Tuesday, June 20
2 to 4 p.m.
Undergraduate Library
David Adamany Bernath Auditorium

Register

See all Juneteenth events

News

2023 Alumni Awards recognize Mary Jenkins-Williams '97, '03

Each year, the Wayne State University Alumni Association honors the accomplishments of outstanding alumni who exemplify the Wayne State spirit of achievement, excellence and service. Congratulations to the 2023 Homer D. Strong Award recipient Mary Jenkins-Williams '97, '03!

Watch her award video

Juanita Anderson short film to premiere March 24 on PBS's 'American Masters'

A documentary by Wayne State University's Juanita Anderson will have its national broadcast premiere during an upcoming episode of American Masters on PBS. Anderson's short film, "Sydney G. James: How We See Us," explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society, address police brutality, and celebrate the Black family and community through bold brush strokes and hues that evoke Black reality, joy, pain and resilience.

Read the full article

African American Studies Coleman A. Young Endowed Chair shares inspiration

A number of influences tugged at Rhonda Y. Williams, Ph.D., last year as she weighed whether to apply for a position at Wayne State University. From academic peers who urged her to join the faculty to the prospect of reuniting with family members who call Detroit home, Williams faced an array of considerations.

Read the full article

WSU student, employee and alumna promotes healing through art therapy

Jeneen Conley-Berry is a Wayne State University employee, Ph.D. student, alumna with multiple degrees from the university and is currently active in the community as an art therapist. She wears many hats, and does it all with joy and passion.

Read the full article

Read more OBA News

History

In September 1989, a reunion gathering of African American alumni evolved into a vision and plan to develop the organization. The founding members celebrated OBA's official induction into the Wayne State University Alumni Association as an affiliate under the unified membership program on October 5, 1992, making OBA the second non-college, alumni constituent group. The organization has served alumni by hosting major annual events, offering mentorship programs, honoring distinguished alumni with the prestigious OBA Achievement Award, and co-sponsoring the African American Graduation Celebration.

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