TCU’s Black Alumni Alliance and the African American and Africana Studies Minor will cohost Purple, Black and White, a professional development event for students Feb. 5 that will feature a conversation centered around being a black professional in the 21st century. 

“I like this event because it’s really the alumni who carry it,” said Claire Sanders, co-director of the African American and Africana Studies Minor and the Diversity Advocate for Academic Affairs, who helps coordinate the event. “We wanted it to focus on something important to our alumni, and, to them, it was about what could help our current students as they launch into their career path.” 

This year, the topic will center around presentation of self — including both in person and on paper — as well as how the generational gap in the workplace impacts communication and other interactions. Guest speakers will address attire, networking and generational differences in the workplace. 

In its third year, the previous events focused on making connections and leadership. Each event so far is fulfilling its purpose, Sanders said.  

“I wanted to create an event that would bring alumni and students together on an annual basis, and I wanted to do it in February because it’s Black History Month,” she said. “We didn’t want students and alumni just wandering around a room together, but, instead, connecting and talking about things meaningful to them.” 

Purple, Black and White is at 6 p.m. Feb. 5, in the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center. The event is free, but for alumni participants, registration by Jan. 31 is required.