In 1969, every Black student at Cornell knew all of the other Black students on campus. They were a small, but powerful community and Irene Smalls '71 advocated for the group to create a legacy beyond graduation. She and four other founding members created CBAA: the Cornell Black Alumni Association. Forty five years later, the CBAA legacy is stronger than ever and we’re so fortunate to chat with the founders today.

Featuring Irene Smalls '71, Carlton Holmes '72, Sandra Black '73, Dr. Renee Alexander '74, and Conway Boyce '75.

“CBAA was a way to normalize, to connect Cornell’s past, and all the sacrifices and the commitment we had made into a concrete future. It was meant to be a conduit. That we could heal, that we could come together, we could laugh, we could reminisce, we could be ourselves.” - Irene Smalls '71

Read the episode transcript.

Hosted by John Rawlins III '06.
Created and produced by Amanda Massa.
Music by Kia Albertson-Rogers '13, [email protected].
Artwork by Chris Kelly.

*The views expressed by Fresh from the Hill hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Cornell University.