Mercersburg Academy marked a significant milestone on April 12, 2025, celebrating 35 years of the Black Student Union (BSU) with a gathering of students and their families, alumni, faculty, and staff in the Edwards Room of Keil Hall. The day-long celebration was coordinated by the executive leadership team of the Black Alumni Association (BAA): Tonya Rutherford ’90, a founding president  of the African American Student Union (AASU), now the BSU, and president of the BAA; Jamil Myrie, ’93, P ’24, vice president of the BAA; Hope Sanders ’18, secretary of the BAA; and Tearl Bradley ’91, treasurer of the BAA. The event honored the legacy, resilience, and impact of Black students and alumni throughout Mercersburg’s history.

The day began with a meaningful walking tour of the town of Mercersburg by educator and historian Chris Frisby ’91, highlighting the courage and achievements of the local Black community.  Chris’s family and others in the Black community stretch back over two hundred years in Mercersburg. Later in the day, alumni also participated in a healing circle, creating space for reflection and shared stories.

The evening gala brought together generations of Mercersburg voices and emphasized the importance of storytelling and preserving history, particularly for students of African descent. 

Rutherford shared a personal story about being one of only a few Black students in 1988. She described her emotional goodbye to family and the experience of attending a new school—then finding camaraderie with other Black students at a dance in the school barn. 

“It became more than a building—it became belonging. It became home for two years. That’s where our creation of a safe space began. We later went on to create the African American Student Union together in 1989. And that’s why tonight is so special—because this work, this community, this love—is our legacy.”

Kevin Harris ’98 served as the evening’s emcee. A distinguished alumnus and former president of the AASU at Mercersburg, Harris was introduced by Rutherford as “a trailblazer, leader, and someone who truly understands legacy.” During his time as a student, he was a varsity athlete and a student leader. He is also a recipient of the 2023 Mercersburg Academy Alumni Council for Service Award.

The event featured remarks from one of Mercersburg’s first Black graduates, Roscoe Green ’69, whose courage and excellence helped pave the way for future generations. He reflected on the challenges faced by first-generation students in the 1960s and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations. His presence served as a reminder of the doors opened through determination and strength.

The mission of the BAA was also shared, underscoring its commitment to supporting current students and advancing equity. 

“Our vision is simple but powerful,” said Harris. “To ensure that every Black student at Mercersburg Academy is treated and supported equally in equity, inclusion, and belonging—with no room for racial discrimination. Our mission is to engage, advocate for, elevate, and support the Black Student Union, its students, and alumni so that this vision is a reality for every generation to come.”

Current BSU Co-President Deran Shippy ’25 emphasized the importance of storytelling in shaping identity and community. BSU officer Keri-Ann Denis ’25 contributed to the program with a musical performance and a dramatic piece she originally performed during Irving-Marshall’s Declamation. Inspired by her studies in American history, the piece addressed the challenges and experiences of the racial profiling and police brutality.

Jamar Galbreath ’05, P ’27, Mercersburg’s assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion, paid tribute to beloved members of the Mercersburg community who have passed since the BAA last gathered in 2019: Louise Reidout, a long-time town resident and staff member; Reece Brown ’89; Chip Bandawe ’94; and Tiffany McGhie ’19. A moment of silence honored their memory.

Faculty member Jim Malone P ’01, ’03 was recognized for his 30 years of dedication as the BSU’s adviser. Presented by BSU member Ava Jones ’25, the award acknowledged Malone’s unwavering presence and advocacy: “He has shown up, spoken up, and held space for Black students across generations,” Jones said.

Jamil Myrie ’93, P ’24, who is a former Mercersburg regent and founding member of both the BSU and the BAA, received the “Life Service Award.” Presented by Rutherford, she praised his lifelong commitment to service and the Black community. 

“Your story isn’t just impressive—it’s a model of service. Service to community, service to justice, and service to Mercersburg.”

Myrie, a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of the Cannabis Justice and Equity Initiative, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. He shared a powerful story of being pulled over by police at 19—an experience that shaped his awareness of racial profiling and the broader challenges faced by Black men in America. Emphasizing the need for both personal reflection and collective action, he spoke about his organization’s work to empower marginalized communities through job training in the legal cannabis industry. Myrie encouraged students to support one another and embrace community-driven change as a path toward healing and justice.

“The great American poet Langston Hughes once asked, ‘What happens to a dream deferred?’ I’m impassioned by a similar question: What happens to a people—my people—deferred and constantly marginalized? What happens to all that potential, that greatness, that beautiful light of life and spirit?’”

Myrie challenged the audience to take action and build community saying, “I’m about that work—and I want y’all to do it your way, because you are brilliant, phenomenally resourceful, and scrappy. You will find a way.”

He emphasized the importance of mentorship, connection, and collective empowerment, urging students and families to “tap in,” lean on one another, and commit to doing the work together.

“We are family. You are never alone. This is not a journey you walk by yourself.”

Myrie closed with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for showing up for yourself. Thank you for investing in yourself. Thank you for trusting me—and trusting the BAA in partnership with our beloved Mercersburg Academy. Let’s get that work, y’all. Peace and blessings, love, respect, and joy.”

Rutherford closed the evening with words that resonated deeply: “As we leave tonight, remember this—this story isn’t over. The legacy is still being written. And each of us has a role to play in what comes next. Thank you for being part of this story. Thank you for being part of this family. And thank you for making sure this community and this work continues for the next 35 years.”

See images from the evening.