The event brought together Black alumni families and current Black Sidwell students, celebrating alumni achievements and addressing the challenges of Black Sidwell alumni and students.
Beginning at the Kennedy Center, Black alumni families and Sidwell students watched “Revelations,” a production that utilizes African American spirituals and song sermons to explore themes of grief and joy.
The following day, participants made hygiene kits to donate to a local organization called So Others Might Eat, which aims to provide essential resources to the homeless community. According to the Sidwell website, after the project, participants had an on-campus lunch, offering them an opportunity to interact with other participants and engage in meaningful discussions According to senior Jada Rue, interacting with the Black alumni was a great experience and helped her realize how the Black Alumni Alliance will always support her, regardless of the situation.
The summit transitioned to the RLS, where a panel of four to six alumni shared their experiences as Sidwell students and their post-graduation lives. Other speakers included judges, child advocacy professionals and other alumni to share their personal stories.
The discussion centered around advice for the future and crucial historical events. Rue described how the ideas really “resonated” with her.
Senior Sam Andargachew mentioned how the panelists also reflected on their experiences at Sidwell, noting how their experience at Sidwell in the past has changed drastically from their experience now.
He also remarked that the alumni were “very receptive” and “wanted to hear all about” the students’ stories and responded with the central theme of inclusivity. Andargachew found the panelists’ perspective interesting because the topic pertained to the legacies of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. According to the Sidwell website, the summit allowed the attendees to experience a sense of community at Sidwell. Current Black Sidwell students who spend time with the alumni were able to bond based on shared or similar experiences. The participants were also able to teach each other from their differing perspectives.
Andargachew noted how there was a “sentiment of optimism for this summit in the future.” He desires to strengthen connections with alumni and make future experiences even more impactful.
