The Upper School’s Black Student Alliance hosted the first-ever Roads to Success: A Discussion with LA Black Alumni on Feb. 23 in the Berry Performing Arts Center. LA graduates, from left, Vanessa Santana '13, Karen Leach-Toomer ’85, Lamar Mackson ’87, Phillip Michael Clay ’08 and Sachina Lyons-Brown '89 shared their experiences as LA students and how the school helped shape their personalities and successful careers.
BSA leaders Gbemi Olarewaju ’24 and Zackary Dort ’23 hosted the event and moderated the discussion. After the alumni introduced themselves, they answered a series of questions from the moderators including how it felt to be a racial minority in school, the best part about attending LA and the best piece of advice they could share with students. While most of the Black alumni acknowledged challenges, all provided very useful advice and positive commentary on their experiences.
Being open-minded was a common theme:
“Sometimes meeting one person will change your trajectory. I look forward to whatever opportunity comes.” – Karen Leach-Toomer
“I’m open to whatever life brings me. I encourage everyone to try everything while you’re here. You’re in your years of figuring it out. You never know where it will lead you.” – Vanessa Santana
Being grateful for the opportunity to attend LA was shared:
“My time here was great and I enjoyed every minute of it. WardlaLAartridge gives you such an edge, you may not even realize it yet. Events like this one here are pushing you past your peers. This experience at LA is very unique.” – Lamar Mackson
“You are so fortunate that LA has evolved so much. You have a different lens when you don’t look like everyone else. In some ways, it makes you more well-rounded.” – Sachina Lyons-Brown
And a final piece of advice for people of all ages:
“Don’t take no for an answer and make sure you connect. Use every opportunity you have to connect with people. Get to know people.” – Phillip Michael Clay
The alumni connected with BSA members of the Upper and Middle School affinity groups in the Oakwood Room following the discussion.