BLACk
(BPLC) INAUGURATION
Where Black leadership is crowned, honored, and remembered.
Black (BPLC) Inauguration is UBCA’s annual celebration of Black student leadership at the University of Texas at Austin. It honors the impact of Black presidents across campus—regardless of whether they lead Black-centered organizations—and formally welcomes them into a legacy of excellence through the Black President’s Leadership Council.
Each president receives a ceremonial gavel, and the evening includes awards, speakers, and cultural moments that affirm the power of Black student organizing on the Forty Acres.
HISTORY
Black (BPLC) Inauguration was created in 2021 to recognize the full range of Black leadership, from organizing and activism to academic and cultural excellence. After the closure of the Multicultural Engagement Center in 2024, Black (BPLC) Inauguration became one of UBCA’s founding programs, restoring institutional memory, spotlighting student presidents, and giving the flowers we deserve while we’re still here.
2025 Black (BPLC) Inauguration
October 24, 2025
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
WCP Auditorium
Presidential Registration
Each registered UBCA umbrella organization may submit one president or two co-chairs for recognition. Vice Presidents and Non-Umbrella organizations are not automatically included but may register separately if desired.
Registration Includes:
Formal event invitation
Participation in the Inauguration Ceremony
Optional gavel engraving
Gavel Fees:
Free for umbrella organization presidents (must be registered with UBCA)
$20 for non-umbrella organization presidents
$10 flat rate for optional engraving
The registration form opens September 4, 2025 (first BPLC meeting) and closes October 2, 2025.
Late registration will be accepted through October 9, 2025 and will include an additional $5 late fee.
AWARDS
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Honors a UT faculty or staff member who goes above and beyond to support and uplift Black students.
Applications for the 2025 Flunder Award are currently closed.
Flunder Award Nomination Form -
Recognizes a student leader whose commitment to advocacy, service, and community organizing reflects the spirit of Brianna McBride.
Applications for the 2025 McBride Award are currently closed.
McBride Award Nomination Form
Photos will be made available after the event.
STAY Connected
Listen to the Official 2025–2026 UBCA Playlist
Curated by and for our community. Add your songs, share your sound, and set the tone.
Collaborative Spotify Playlist »
Join the 2025-2026 GroupMe
Get reminders, resources, and real-time updates. Everyone’s invited.
Join GroupMe »
View All Black Student Organizations
Explore both umbrella and non-umbrella Black student orgs at UT and find your space.
View the Full List »