USC Black Alumni Association to Host 50th Gala
The golden anniversary scholarship benefit takes place November 7, 2026, at the USC University Park Campus.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in African-American
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The USC Black Alumni Association will hold its 50th Anniversary Scholarship Benefit on November 7, 2026, at the USC University Park Campus. The gala honors four individuals for their achievements and impact on the Trojan community.
Why it matters
The event celebrates five decades of the association's work in providing scholarships, career mentoring, and cultural advocacy. It also raises funds to invest in future generations of students.
The USC Black Alumni Association marks its golden anniversary in 2026 following its 1976 founding. To date, the organization has awarded a total of $6 million in scholarship funding to support students.
The players
Byron Allen
He is a media mogul and the owner of Allen Media Group, which maintains 33 network affiliate stations across 27 U.S. markets.
JuJu Watkins
She is a standout women's basketball player for USC who began her collegiate career in 2023.
M'Lis Ward
She is a former USC women's basketball player who contributed to the school's NCAA championship titles in the early 1980s.
JaBari Brown
He is an academic advisor who has guided more than 3,000 students during his 25-year tenure at the university.
USC Black Alumni Association
This organization supports the university's Black students and alumni through scholarship programs, advocacy, and professional mentoring.
The details
The gala will recognize four award recipients, including media executive Byron Allen and student athlete JuJu Watkins. Other honorees include alumna M'Lis Ward and long-time faculty member JaBari Brown, who has mentored thousands of students over 25 years.
Timeline
The USC Black Alumni Association was founded in 1976.
M'Lis Ward played for USC's NCAA championship teams in 1983 and 1984.
JuJu Watkins made her USC basketball debut in 2023.
The 50th Anniversary Scholarship Benefit will occur on November 7, 2026.
Culture Shift
This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the USC Black Alumni Association, which was established in 1976. The milestone reflects the long-term growth and institutional influence of alumni-led advocacy groups within major university systems.
Students and alumni in Los Angeles can expect the gala to increase awareness of available scholarship resources and mentoring opportunities. Attendees and community supporters will see the organization's historic commitment to financial aid reflected in the evening's fundraising outcomes.
The takeaway
The upcoming gala highlights the significant impact that alumni associations have in fostering long-term educational support for university students. Graduates looking to give back may find this 50th-anniversary event a prime opportunity to connect with current scholarship initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local events and community news in the African-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
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