African-American Institute Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Northeastern University’s John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute celebrated its 40th Anniversary and Reunion Celebration recently with a festive week of activities.

The celebration afforded alumni the opportunity to meet the new director, Richard O’Bryant, the son of  the Institute’s namesake, as well as the opportunity to meet with current students.

Events during the week included the Annual Unity Day on the Common, celebrating Northeastern’s diverse African and Caribbean heritage; Music, Art, and Cultural Expression, featuring the African-American Master Artists-in-Residence Program; a speed networking session for alumni and current students; and a social gathering of the NU Black Alumni Association.

“It was truly humbling to see and experience the outpouring of positive energy and supportive spirit by the Northeastern community,” O’Bryant said. “The students, faculty, alumni, and friends were treated to a week full of intellectual, cultural, and social inspiration.”

The celebration concluded with a gala at Boston’s Colonnade Hotel on April 5. Over 300 guests attended the event, which was highlighted by an appearance by guest speaker Dr. Randal Pinkett, a Rhodes Scholar, chairman and CEO of BCT Partners, and the winner of NBC’s The Apprentice in Season 4. The evening also featured the music of Northeastern professor Leonard Brown.