Launching the Juilliard Black Alumni Association

Joy was in the air at the inauguration of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association (JBAA) in September.

More than 100 community members attended the inaugural event, which included performances by members of the Juilliard Black Student Union and a talk by Janet Hubert (Group 7) about her career in the entertainment industry. 

The JBAA was formed in 2020 and formalized in 2023 as the first official Juilliard alumni group. Its mission is to foster, empower, support, and celebrate the Juilliard Black community by expanding opportunities for communicating, resource-sharing, professional development, cultivating interest in activities, connecting with students and other alumni—all while deepening their relationship with Juilliard in a supportive and inclusive environment. Additionally, the JBAA is working to raise money for scholarships and project grants, organize recruitment/headhunter days, and provide networking opportunities. 

The organization’s president and vice president—Amber Pickens (BFA ’15, dance) and Khari Joyner (BM ’13, MM ’14, DMA ’19, cello)—hope their mission “will attract prospective Black students to the school, especially once they see an established association of Black graduates who can serve as an invaluable resource to them.”

Find out more about the JBAA here—or get in touch with the officers directly

FORMING NEW ALUMNI GROUPS

The establishment of the JBAA at Juilliard is part of the initiative of the Alumni Relations and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging offices to create ways for all alumni to be part of Juilliard’s mission of excellence. 

Do you have an interest in connecting and engaging with fellow alums around common interests, identity, location, and experiences—or for networking, resource-sharing, or professional development?

Find out more about how to join an existing alumni group or form one here or contact the alumni office