The Black Alumni Group (BAG) has been an official constituency of the SIU Alumni Association since 1988, helping maintain, nurture, and advance initiatives that help Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
BAG seeks to keep alive professional, social, and educational relationships developed while at Southern, by providing assistance, guidance, and support to alumni. The organization solicits gifts to be used for and on behalf of SIU, its faculty, students, and staff; and assists SIU in the recruitment, retention, financial assistance, and career development of students of Black African descent. Held biennially in odd-numbered years, BAG hosts a reunion on a weekend in the summer. A myriad of social and educational events are scheduled during the reunion weekend, as well as a business meeting and the election of officers.
Black Alumni Reunion
BAG hosts a biennial reunion weekend in odd-numbered years, offering a variety of social and educational events, as well as the group's business meeting with officer elections. The weekend creates many networking opportunities across generations while increasing the group's visibility on campus.
NEXT REUNION | JULY 2027
Chosen Few Old School Reunion Saturday, July 11, 2026
The Chosen Few Picnic & Festival 2026 returns to Chicago’s Jackson Park on Saturday, July 11, for a full day of soulful celebration and house music history. Now in its 36th year, this iconic event—often dubbed the “Woodstock of House Music”—brings together thousands of music lovers from around the world for one unforgettable reunion.
Bud Billiken Parade Saturday, August 8, 2026
The Bud Billiken Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive, it’s a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago.
What We Do
The Black Alumni Group showcases its love for Southern Illinois University Carbondale as a grand lever to raise the institution's status throughout Illinois and the country -- particularly those of the African diaspora.
Connect
Keep alive the social, educational, and professional relationships formed at our alma mater.
Scholarships
Provide financial support to deserving students currently attending SIU Carbondale.
Network
Offer professional development opportunities for members and students.
Mentorship
Mentor and enrich the minds of new generations of Salukis to continually produce new leaders.
Collaborate
Work with various university departments to maximize support and outreach.
Pride
Tell the world about the excellence found at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Black Alumni Group Officers 2025 - 2027
Richard Gardner, M.D. '91 President
Cynthia Parker-Ferguson '81 Vice President
Crystal Allen '88 Treasurer
Tashi Adams '14 Secretary
Kevin Buford '02
Member-at-Large
Briana Galloway '12
Member-at-Large