Our Faces, Our Voices
Empowering students of color to eliminate racism and bigotry among predominantly white institutions, high schools, colleges and universities.
Committed to Excellence
BLAC is committed to shining a positive light on the successes of the students of color.
BLAC plans to highlight these successes by creating a comprehensive network for these Alumni. To begin this important work, and to underscore the strength of the SOC Alumni, BLAC has created a hashtag #blacksuccessfromehs , #asiansuccessfromehs , #latinxsuccessfromehs to draw attention to their individual success stories on social media. These social media spotlights of SOC Alumni will lead to networking opportunities for both current and former SOC, will encourage an ever more diverse applicant pool to the PWIs, high schools, colleges, and universities, and will create bridges among the SOC Alumni from PWIs, colleges, and universities across the nation.
Our Success Stories
I invited Jonathan Lee to visit the University of Puget Sound and speak with School of Education students, faculty, and administration to share his excellent work with BLAC. Jonathan is an engaging, passionate, and highly knowledgeable leader in education and DEI. Most importantly, he speaks truth to power when we most need it. We are watching the fallout of SCOTUS’ systematic dismantling of affirmative action. Historically BI-POC students have had schoolhouse doors unabashedly slammed in their faces. Jonathan is a tireless advocate for opening doors for students of color. I wish he could be speaking on all campuses across the country right now!
Rebecca Wellington, Phd.
Clinical Instructor at University of Puget Sound
The vision of BLAC is at the forefront of the intersection of genuine personal relationships, the community culture of small schools, and the possibility of connection through technology. The need for a supportive network for a diverse spectrum of alumni is high, and the energy, intelligence, and dedication of BLAC's network was apparent before words were spoken. There is limitless potential on an individual, school, and national level for BLAC's mission.
Will Nisbet
Director of Institutional Development at The Hill School
I am very proud to strongly endorse Jonathan Lee’s initiative BLAC to support, recognize and empower students, graduates and families of color of independent schools. I have enjoyed knowing Jonathan since his first days as a new student at Episcopal High School over 20 years ago. Across Jonathan’s many roles in the life of independent schools, his personal and professional trademark has been that of determination, integrity and compassion. He is an outstanding individual who has truly lived the experience of all of the dynamics of life in independent schools-as student, alumnus, teacher, coach and administrator. I am pleased that Jonathan has launched BLAC to extend his valuable insights to improve the experience for all of our students, graduates, families and schools
Rob Hershey
Retired Head of Episcopal High School
I've had the privilege of working with Jonathan to help shape the communication strategies for BLAC. Not only is he a joy to work with, but he has a clear, strong vision and mission for BLAC that is urgently needed in the independent school world. Though I am not a person of color, I have seen first-hand - as an ally, alumna, and former faculty member - the need to build and bridge the legacies of students and alumni of color from independent schools. Jonathan's wisdom and perspicacity are already making a difference; I cannot endorse his mission strongly enough.
DANIEL MILLER
Founder of Genrevv
Bridging Legacies Across Campuses (BLAC) is a wonderful creation and vision by Jonathan E. Lee. The platform provides for networking, information, experiences, backgrounds, struggles and success of persons in all walks of life and highlights persons character and endurance which would or could otherwise discourage or destroy the creativity and will and aspirations that each of us is born with in being a productive contributor to the society we live in. BLAC allows people to connect and find common activities, interest building friendships never once envisioned.
Gerald D. Chapman
Law Enforcement/Homeland Security Professional Consultant (Semi-Retired)
