Quicklinks
Alumni
Alumni Affinity Groups

Black Alumni Association

 
How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.
- Morgan Freeman
 
The vision of the Black Alumni Association is to create a legacy through:
  • supporting ALL members of the Shipley community that identify as Black
  • increasing Black Alumni representation and engagement in Shipley activities
  • cultivating connections between current Black students and alumni
  • creating a network of resources for professional and social purposes
We have united to make Shipley a safer, more understanding, and more embracing place for current and future empowered Black students at the School to achieve the mission of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Who We Are

We are an affinity group of Black Alumni striving to recommit to our alma mater. Shipley has poured so much into each and every one of us academically, and for this we will forever be grateful. We want the entire Shipley community to prioritize being knowledgeable and aware of the Black experience academically and socially. Our top priority is to engage as a community to ensure that the Black Community at Shipley feels psychologically safe, supported, and empowered.

Events

List of 3 events.

  • Dec
    28

    Holiday Gathering

    Let’s fellowship during the holiday season. Alumni, family of alumni, Shipley colleagues, and parents of Shipley students (adults-only) are invited to join the BAA at Manayunk Brewery for a beverage and a bite! The first round of drinks will be sponsored by Shipley’s Alumni Office.
    Location: Manayunk Brewery, 4120 Main Street, Philadelphia
    Questions? Contact: Alisha Fairfax ’09
  • Feb
    1

    Black History Month Gathering

    Get active! We look forward to alumni and their families joining us for an activity (TBD - hopefully with your input!) where we will continue to foster relationships that have been built and strengthened throughout the school year.
    Date, time, and location TBD.
    Questions? Contact: Alisha Fairfax ’09
  • May
    4

    Black Alumni Association Brunch

    To conclude the year, all Black-identifying members of the Shipley community are invited to a brunch on Sunday of Alumni Reunion Weekend, where we will reflect on the past school year and strategize for the year ahead. This event will provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate the relationships fostered and the collaborative efforts made with the school throughout the year.
    Location: The Shipley School
    Questions? Contact: Shipley Alumni Office

2024-2025 Priorities

Fellowship
Deepen your bonds with high school friends you still chat with. Reconnect with people you haven’t seen in years. Meet new people. Expand your personal or professional network! See the information below about the events planned for this school year. 

Collaboration
Students have expressed the need to bridge a gap between affinity groups. Keep your eyes open for volunteer opportunities to connect with the students as your schedule allows.

Communication
Be on the lookout for bi-annual newsletters from the Black Alumni Association with photos, spotlights, updates, and more!

Follow us!

Email: shipleyblackalumniassociation@gmail.com

FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Resources

What We're Reading

Support the BAA

In February 2021, the Black Alumni Association set out to raise $100,000 in order to establish the Black Alumni Association Endowment Fund at Shipley. The purpose is to provide an annual funding stream to Shipley to support curricular and cultural needs of current Black students and teachers, with a preference for activities and programs that would provide the entire school community with a diverse, African-American experience integral to a shared American experience. 
 
With the support of the Shipley community and the tremendous leadership of Hakiem Coles ’07, the BAA and Shipley proudly announce that the goal of $100,000 has been met and exceeded by about 30%! 

“I am ecstatic that the Black Alumni Association, in concert with Shipley, has successfully achieved our goal of establishing an endowed fund at Shipley,” says Coles. “What an opportunity it has been, as the advocate and organizer behind this initiative…The support from everyone has been ineffable. This endowment would have been impossible to attain without the support, empathy, and compassion of over 100 individuals – Shipley alumni from the 1960s and as recent as 2019, teachers (current and former), friends, and family – as well as the generosity of the Halloran Philanthropies and The Shipley School, itself. We did this together!” Coles continues, “This partnership with Shipley has confirmed that there is a generous commitment to promoting and creating everlasting, inclusive, and equitable change for their students. I think the most exciting part of this established partnership is preparing for what the future of this endowment will represent. The real work begins now.”

The Halloran Philanthropies, whose significant gift topped off the Fund, has challenged the BAA and Shipley to continue to build the Fund. Please consider joining them in supporting this effort by making a contribution at any level that is right for you. Thank you for your support!

To make a gift to the Black Alumni Association Endowment Fund, visit shipleyschool.org/give. After indicating your donation amount and entering your contact information, please select "Other" in the list of designation options and enter "BAA Endowment Fund" in the text box. 
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.