Previous Events

THE 2023 Black Pre-Commencement & Excellence Ceremony

All those that wish to participate in the ceremony and be gifted a free kente stole, MUST REGISTER by the deadline. To recap, being a Black student at SIUC, on track to graduate from ANY level during ANY POINT of 2023, and completing the registration by Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 11:59pm, are the only requirements to participate in this annual celebration for Black graduates.

Below you will be able to find the registration link for the 2023 Black Pre-Commencement & Excellence Ceremony. Registration is due by Sunday, April 16^th by 11:59pm. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS for the registration deadline. Be sure to COMPLETE THE ENTIRE REGISTRATION. If you would like to be included in the photo collage, please ensure to submit a picture in the registration. If you would like to read details for guests those will be below.

Registration Link – https://forms.office.com/r/9JxDNYSjcB

All registered graduates are free to invite as many friends and family to the ceremony as desired. However, for the banquet all registered graduates are allowed NO MORE than two guests. Yourself and two guests will enjoy a beautiful banquet and free dinner.

The Second Annual Ebony Ball: A Royal Affair

The time has come! That’s right, THE most elegant night of the year has returned. Bigger and better than ever, the Black Affairs Council is hosting its Second Annual Ebony Ball, which will be a night to remember!

The Second Annual Ebony Ball is a glamorous, elegant, and exclusive event where we celebrate the African American community and raise awareness about the issues that affect us. The second annual Ebony Ball will be held on March 25th, 2023, at the Garden Grove Event Center, Carbondale, IL. The theme for this year’s event is “A Royal Affair”; we are planning a night of celebration featuring an exquisite cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing. The evening will conclude with the “Fairest of Them All” – Best Dressed Competition, Majestic Music Selections, a Decadent Dessert Table, & More!

Tickets are $30+ per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite. The deadline to purchase tickets is March 3rd, 2023.

Please visit the sponsor page to learn more about our sponsors and their generous contributions. We are currently accepting sponsorships for this event. If you want to become a sponsor, please contact us at blackaffairscouncil@siu.edu.

View and download photos here!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Undergraduate Student Government

Women’s Resource Center

Hispanic/Latino Resource Center

Graduate and Professional Student Council

Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois

University Honors Program

Southern Illinois University- Carbondale Student Affairs

Student Multicultural Resource Center

Black Resource Center

Carbondale Tourism

Mr. and Miss BAC Informational

Are you looking to get involved? Here is your perfect opportunity! We are looking for two first-year students and seniors interested in showcasing their excellence and cultivating an environment that meets Black students’ cultural, educational, and social needs. If you are that student, apply to be our next Mr. or Miss BAC!

Click here for the informational slides!

Freshman APplication

Freshman Petition

Senior Application

Black Experience ’22

Don’t miss out on any Black Experience Events!

Black Affairs Council Black Orientation

Register for Black Orientation Now!

First Annual Ebony Ball

March 19, 2022

Black Affairs Council (BAC) created the Ebony Ball to meet the cultural and social needs of our community. The ball originated from the realization that Black students were not receiving the recognition they deserved. Black Affairs Council’s priority is to emphasize the importance of uplifting and supporting SIU students. This event allows us to create a new tradition for alumni, faculty, staff, and students to interact and experience a night of elegance at Southern Illinois University.

View 2022 Ebony Ball images here: Ebony Ball Photo Booth Export

Fill out this short survey to have an input on next Year’s Ebony Ball! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp8uaqRpkGJEg3CtQpbwTnTu-OoOKlnGRD0GbLKpG96COthQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

Black Affairs Council First Annual Mr. and Miss BAC

The Annual Black Excellence Ceremony

The annual Black Excellence Ceremony is a Pre-Commencement service hosted by Black Affairs Council to honor upcoming graduates, students, and faculty for their service, excellence, and achievements.