Mississippi State University Black Alumni Weekend

10/07/2026

To the MSU family and the Starkville community: Mr. Charles Evans, whom we affectionately called “LaLa,” was a larger-than-life figure who broke many societal and social norms with purpose and positivity. Let us all take a moment to recognize our beloved community leader, LaLa. Because of you, we never doubted ourselves. Because of you, we never felt alone. Because of you, we never quit dreaming. Rest in power, Mr. LaLa.

REST IN POWER, LALA ❤️ With love and gratitude, the Evans family celebrates the remarkable life of Charles “Lala” Evans (May 28, 1933–October 6, 2026), who blessed us with 93 extraordinary years as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, friend, mentor, soldier, trailblazer, community builder, storyteller, and proud member of Starkville’s Needmore community.

Lala loved music, dancing, skating, photography, umbrellas, flowers, telling stories, making people laugh, and most of all, people. The City of Starkville once proclaimed him its “Eternal Optimist, Humanitarian and Irrepressible Humorist.” We can’t think of a better description of the man our family and community knew and loved.

We will miss Lala dearly, but we are forever grateful for the love, laughter, lessons, and beautiful memories he leaves behind. His favorite words feel especially meaningful today: “It’s All Good.” ❤️ Rest in Power, Lala. Our Memories Become Our Monuments.

— The Evans Family

09/19/2026

"Welcome Home, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. Theta Iota Chapter Alumni as you celebrate 50 Years of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. at Mississippi State University."

About Phi Beta Sigma, Inc at MSU

- Chartered September 20,1976

- nearly 500 members initiated at MSU since the chapter’s charter

Motto: “culture for service and service for humanity”, which represents a lifelong commitment to being an active part of the community rather than standing apart from it. It emphasizes returning acquired skills and knowledge back to society.

- pantone colors: royal blue and white

MSU President Mark E. Keenum welcomed leaders from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to campus today for their reunion and 50th anniversary celebration.

From left to right: Division President for Kroger Delta Division Mr. Micheal Cristal, Lt. Col. U.S. Air Force (Ret) Dr. Michael James, MSU President Mark E. Keenum, MSU Theta Iota Chapter President Phifer Brown, Vice President for University Advancement at Mississippi Valley State University Dr. Ernie Troy Hughes

08/29/2026

08/24/2026

For decades, NPHC organizations have served as a social conscience at Mississippi State University by creating a safe space and community for Black students, while working hand-in-hand with both the university and the surrounding Golden Triangle community to support philanthropic causes.

Marking a monumental milestone in 2026, the Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. celebrates its fiftieth anniversary at Mississippi State University. Guided by their enduring motto, “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity” the chapter's golden anniversary will be commemorated through an unforgettable weekend of fellowship.

The celebration unfolds with an exciting itinerary:

Friday Kickoff: Generations come together for casual dining experiences throughout Starkville.

Saturday Gatherings: Attendees will enjoy a lively brotherhood cookout followed by a formal evening gala.

Sunday Closing: The weekend concludes with a reflective worship service.

The brothers of Phi Beta Sigma warmly invite everyone to join in commemorating this rich tradition and celebrating a powerful, ongoing legacy.

Tickets are available by clicking the link below.
https://tinyurl.com/ynvrruam

Get tickets online for Phi Beta Sigma Reunion here.

08/23/2026

Congratulations to our living legend, Dr. Richard Holmes, the first Black student to attend Mississippi State University, on this honor that will forever stand to recognize the sacrifices made to help transform our institution into a welcoming place for all.

To all fellow Black MSU students and alumni who followed in his footsteps by choosing MSU: keep on pushing!

03/18/2026

Thanks to the Dekodi group at www.dekodi.com for capturing so many great moments during . Check out the photo recap by following the link below.

https://www.msubaw.com/

03/12/2026

Scenes from MSU Black Alumni Weekend 2026

Album: https://gallery.dekodi.com/-baw2026/gallery

02/19/2026

Whew! Late post but I’m still basking in the absolute amazingness of Black Alumni Weekend 2026!

Grateful beyond words for the opportunity to help lead BAW 2026. I dont take it lightly! What an incredible experience!

Thank you to our Executive and Host Committees for your diligence, support, and hard work throughout the weekend. Your commitment made BAW26 truly special. I love you all! ❤️

A special thank you to Dan Coleman — my BIG Louisville counterpart! Thank you for your calmness, encouragement, leadership, and for being someone I could lean on when things didn’t go as planned. Thank you for always rooting for me, taking up for me and loving on me when tears poured from my eyes. You made BAW even more special and I’m thankful to now call you my friend. And in your words - ‘You’re stuck with me!”

And to Kisha Landfair — you are simply the best! The G.O.A.T. of all things decor and event planning! From the daily phone calls to showing up at every event, you were there with a SMILE every step of the way. Your support meant more than you know. Thank you so much for your humbleness and grace and for completing this enormous task without asking for anything in return. So grateful for you and our new found and eternal friendship.

I love you both real bad! ❤️

BAW26 will always be special. 🖤

Evette Porter ‘98

02/18/2026

There is nothing more liberating than the truth. Thanks to our MSU Black Pioneers for coming together to tell their stories, unscripted in their own words. Also, thanks to our school’s administrators for continuing to work to navigate through these challenging times with empathy and courage.

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/msutv/ringyourbell?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci

02/18/2026

Ring Your Bell and Tell Your Tale