4A Networking Event Creates Connections

Cranbrook Schools alumni from across the decades connected with HUB alumni and current CK students when 4A alumni hosted a networking event during Reunion weekend. The group, which included CK student leadership from 4A and their faculty advisors, HUB alumni, former members of Kusanya Watu, the Black student organization from the 1970s.

4A Alumni leaders Daniel Jefferson '92 and Kamau Williams '90 welcomed all participants, and introduced Akosua Barthwell Evans '64, who came to Kingswood as a seventh grader in 1the 1958-59 school year, leading the way for other Black students. Phil Brown '73 talked about the evolution of student organizations during his time at Cranbrook, and introduced fellow members of Kusanya Watu from the class of 1975. 4A alumna Amina Watson-Miller '89 introduced her children Damani '22 and Aya '19 as multi-gen 4A alumni.

Director of Schools Jeff Suzik gave an update on the federal grant that was awarded to Cranbrook Archives to digitize forty years of HUB history. He introduced Head Archivist Deborah Rice, who has been busy digitizing over twenty linear feet of administrative records, student publications, photographs, motion picture film, and more, with the goal of making these materials freely accessible online. Deborah had a film on display that was recently digitized featuring Cranbrook Schools and HUB alum Sam Porter ’69, talking about his Cranbrook journey.

The event ended with an update from faculty member Chad O'Kulich on the 18th annual HUB Wilderness program, which will take place in just a few weeks, with current HUB students getting prepared for their time off campus.

There were many connections made at this event, which provided a fascinating slice of history of Black student organizations and leadership on the Cranbrook campus. There are more connections to be made and more to be learned at future events!