Generosity Across Generations

Through early jobs in commercial photography, Tracey Woods, MFA ’91, learned she preferred the behind-the-scenes work of a shoot and pivoted to what has become a flourishing career in creative direction. A regular at The Black Alumni of Pratt (BAP) networking and career mentorship events, Woods sees her path as a helpful guide for future graduates trying to figure things out.

“I try to impart a little bit of the wisdom that I’ve learned to show how I’m still evolving,” she said, emphasizing the importance of having mentors from similar backgrounds in your field.  

Another alum, Abram Hall, BFA Communications Design ’86, shared this sentiment, recalling how he was told by his parents to go into medicine or law but decided to study illustration and eventually encouraged the aspirations of future illustrator Bernard Chang, BArch ’95.  

“At Pratt I was finally able to learn what I wanted to learn—art,” he said. “I took that knowledge with me through my career, and being an active alumnus is a way of continuing that journey. Being additionally active with The Black Alumni of Pratt is a way to encourage young Black students, who might face the same pressure I did, by showing them that you, too, can have a career—a life—in the arts.”

Woods and Hall were among dozens of alumni and students who recently gathered in the Pratt Library to celebrate 35 years of BAP. Those in attendance viewed the BAP35! Archival Exhibition, a special exhibition highlighting the history, creativity, community, and impact of this longstanding alumni affinity group; caught up and shared stories; offered advice and encouragement; and expressed their support for the next chapter of BAP. 

“Through scholarships, mentorship, professional access, and community, BAP helps ensure that success is shared—and that each generation of Pratt students can stand on a stronger foundation than the one before it,” said Vice President for Engagement, Culture & Community Vernese Edghill-Walden at the celebration. 

Jelani Bandele, The Black Alumni of Pratt and community connections & outreach manager in Engagement, Culture & Community, helps to foster this intergenerational community by organizing year-round events and facilitating professional connections; Bandele also curated the BAP35! Archival Exhibition. 

The annual Career Connect, for example, pairs students with alumni and professionals who can share knowledge about creative fields, review portfolios and résumés, and discuss career pathways, helping students build lasting professional relationships. Each summer, BAP supports the ability of high school students to attend Pratt PreCollege, allowing them to experience the rhythms of college life, from living in a residence hall and making campus friends to attending studio classes and learning new skills. Tina Witke, BFA Fashion Design ’25, who received a full scholarship from Balenciaga and BAP, spoke at the celebration, reflecting on the creative launchpad that BAP provided.

The archival photography and other displayed work in the exhibition captured the strong sense of community that keeps alumni engaged, eager to support the next generation of students.

Kylie Grant, BArch ’27, who received a BAP scholarship for her senior year, acknowledged how BAP has allowed her to finish her education with a “greater sense of confidence and gratitude.” 

“As an architecture student, my academic experience can sometimes feel very specific to my discipline, so having a community that allows me to connect with other Black students, creatives, and professionals across different fields has been incredibly special,” she said. “BAP has created a space where I feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally. Through volunteering at events, connecting with alumni, and building relationships with people whose journeys inspire me, I’ve gained a greater understanding of the opportunities and possibilities that exist beyond graduation. 

Looking ahead, she said, “These experiences have genuinely influenced how I envision my future career and the impact I hope to make.”

BAP was founded in 1990 by a dedicated group of alumni who began to lay the groundwork as students in their senior year when they recognized the need for a more diverse faculty and student body. The organization has had dedicated leadership through the years, from Founding President Emeritus Dwight Johnson to Co-Presidents Gerri Brown and Darius Somers, as well as Bandele, and has funded 22 full scholarships, 66 partial scholarships, 73 PreCollege scholarships, and 1,255 stipends. This impact has been made possible by the sustained generosity of BAP’s alumni and supporters whose contributions over the years have helped create these opportunities and strengthen the Pratt community.