Black History Month
Alumni Spotlight

5 Things You Need to Know about TUBAA

The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance (TUBAA) is an alumni organization that is all about giving back and working together to move forward while having fun. Here’s everything you need to know to join the force.

A Cup of Comfort, Healing and Goodness: Temple Made Mompreneur Helps Women Explore Natural Remedies

As a mother of three children and owner of three businesses, Felicia Harris-Williams, EDU ’17, is the ultimate mompreneur. While juggling her event production company and youth mentorship nonprofit, a health scare led her to create a tea business to inspire women to take control of their wellness with natural remedies.

A Promise Well Kept: How One Alumna’s Steadfast Drive Helped Her Achieve Her Dream

Twelve years ago, LaToya Stroman, KLN ’12, found herself face to face with a Temple University admissions officer, making a promise that would guide the rest of her life.

An Owl’s Leap of Faith: Breaking Into the Music Industry

When Reggie Becton, KLN ’15, graduated, he was unsure of his next move. He loved to sing, but moving to Los Angeles to pursue a music career was a big risk. With the help of friends, the alumni community and his own determination, he took that leap of faith, leading him on a journey to success in the music industry.

The Artistic Evolution of Jeffrey Meris

Since being named a 30 Under 30 honoree in 2020, Jeffrey Meris, TYL ’15, has expanded his artistic practice, engaging with themes of ecology, embodiment and care through ambitious projects, including his upcoming inclusion in Prospect New Orleans.

Black Soul Summer: Two Temple Alumni Bring ‘belonging’ to the Community

Saleem “Taaj” Sabree and Melvin Powell met as roommates at Temple University 13 years ago. Despite being total strangers, they instantly formed a bond that led not just to a friendship but a full-blown business partnership. Most importantly, that partnership was based on a mutual goal of creating a more inclusive space in and for the Philadelphia community. They attribute much of their success to that “Temple spirit.”

Boyer Alum Pays Tribute to Mentor, Friend and Musical Icon

The Edgar Ortenberg Bowed String Instrument Scholarship Fund honors the life and legacy of renowned violinist and former Temple faculty member, Edgar Ortenberg.

Brownce: How CherRaye Glenn-Flowers Found Her Passion and Built a Special Place for Her Community

2022 Temple 30 under 30 winner CherRaye Glenn-Flowers, FOX ’15, has worn a lot of hats in the business, tech and sales industries, but her idea for Brownce, a haircare app, stemmed from a passion for empowering the Black and Brown community, her firsthand understanding of a barrier in the beauty industry and the skills she learned while attending Temple University that have helped her create a solution.

Charisse McGill Returns to the Nest with Many “Firsts” Under Her Wing

Owner of Lokal Artisan Foods and French Toast Bites, Charisse McGill made headlines as the first Black woman to own and operate a business in Spruce Street Harbor Park, as well as the first Black woman to create her own beer in Pennsylvania, and so much more.

This interview was conducted in August 2022. The Temple and Philadelphia communities suffered an immense loss as Charisse passed away in January 2024.

Checking in with Ben Thomas

The FOX '18 grad has multiple Grammy nominations and his own recording studio in North Philadelphia—and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Empowering Africology and African American studies scholars of tomorrow through collective action

The Temple University Black Alumni Alliance Endowed Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a student with financial need.

‘FoodChasers’ Twins Prove It’s Never Too Late to Turn a Passion Into a Career

Twins Maya and Kala Johnstone always had a love for food. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, when they retired after working in the educational field for two decades, that they decided to make a full-blown living from it. With plenty of help from both their real and Temple alumni family, they prove it’s never too late to turn that passion into a dream career.

From an Owl to an Eagle: Shaun Bradley's Rise to the NFL

As Shaun Bradley, EDU ’19, has risen through the ranks from becoming a Temple Owl to a Philadelphia Eagle, he has truly exemplified what it means to be #TempleMade.

From Concerts to Cultural Movements: The Evolution of Catherine Morris and BAMS Festival

Catherine Morris, STH ’08, had a passion for event management before she even knew what it was called. From taking the helm at middle school talent shows, to interning with Philadelphia’s major concerts and events, she became enamored with showcasing Black and Brown voices, perspectives and artistry. However, after graduating, Catherine returned to her hometown to learn that these opportunities didn’t exist. When she created the nonprofit Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest, she created more than just a festival; it became a cultural movement.

Glass Half-Full: How an Alumna Changed Her Perspective and Built Her Own Wine Company

Aamira Garba, Fox ’07, found purpose and passion by ignoring the “box checker” lifestyle, investing in herself and encouraging others to do the same.

How Two Temple Alumni Landed at America’s Most Historic Prison

Richie Sklar and Erica Woods hold very different positions at Eastern State Penitentiary, but they share a palpable passion for helping to spread the word on what the facility represents. From educating the public on the criminal justice system, to coordinating a yearly haunted attraction, they both bring a #TempleMade mindset to an iconic Philadelphia institution.

Jazzy Conversations with Gigi Walker

In 2023, Genevive "Gigi" Walker (CLA ’97) reunited with a former high school friend to start a podcast that not only brought them closer together, but gave her an outlet to converse and listen, using all the knowledge and skills she had gained since graduation. All while she started her own business at the same time.

Lights, Camera, Dedication: Nasir Kenneth Ferebee’s Humble Industry Journey

Through unwavering determination and relentless hustle, Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, TFM ’07, has built a successful film and television career staying true to his Philly roots and commitment to storytelling excellence.

Making a Difference On and Off the Court

A Temple alumna and Harlem Globetrotter, Fatima “TNT” Maddox-Lister, KLN ’07, balances basketball and giving back.

Michael Burch's Lifelong Dedication to Science and Service

From his early interest in science to his influential roles at the Franklin Institute and his prestigious honor this year from Smith Memorial Playground, Michael Burch, EDU ’88, is the personification of dedication to education and making a difference in one’s community.

Paying It Forward: Howard Bryant’s Legacy of Scholarship and Journalism

As a journalism student at the Klein College of Media and Communication, Howard Bryant, KLN ’91, never doubted his passion—or his purpose. Now, he’s paying tribute to the place it all started with a new scholarship for students who aim to follow in his footsteps.

Rashonda Harris Explains the Importance of DEI and How Others Can Help Lead the Change

As one of the disproportionately small number of women of color in leadership, Rashonda Harris, FOX ’12, ’16, stood out like a purple sheep. She has since given the phrase a special meaning and used her business, Purple Sheep Consulting, to champion DEI in collaboration with global organizations.

Stephane-Jean Baptiste’s Journey of Identity, Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship

#TempleMade is not just a concept, but a true mantra for an alum like Stephane Jean-Baptiste, KLN ’06, who directed his entrepreneurial spirit into a wildly successful company that allows him to pursue his dreams, honor his Haitian American culture, and support future generations of Temple students.

Super Bowl to Super Chef: Rian Wallace’s Rousing Culinary Journey

Rian Wallace, STH '11, went from a Super Bowl-winning football career to finishing his degree at Temple and starting Bare Hand Love Cuisine, a catering business he’s now thriving in after 10 years.

Temple Alumna Shalimar Thomas Leading North Broad’s Renaissance

Shalimar Thomas, KLN ’08, a true Temple Made leader, exemplifies the power of education, passion and community engagement in driving meaningful change. Through her tireless efforts as executive director, North Broad Renaissance continues to thrive as a symbol of progress in Philadelphia’s vibrant landscape.

Temple Alumna Teaches You to 'Be Well' Through Health and Fitness

If you're looking for proof to always try new things, look no further than Ashley Carter, CPH ’07. From entering Temple as a biology major who didn't like working out, to now, owning her own health and fitness business, she's the embodiment of why it's worth being open-minded to fresh opportunities.

Temple's First Black Homecoming Queen

Join us for a nostalgic look back as we chat with Temple’s first Black Homecoming Queen, Deborah Carn, CPH ’74.

Wunderkind Alumna Blazes Her Own Trail in the Theater and Arts Community

Sabriaya Shipley, TFM ’18, has only been out of Temple for a little over five years, but her resume is nothing short of extraordinary. With a palpable passion for arts, the theater and connecting with her community, she shows no signs of stopping any time soon.