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
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Location: William C. Powers Student Activity Center Auditorium
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Program Begins: 6:30 PM
Dress Code: Semi-Formal Attire
Follow us on Instagram @texasubca for live updates.
Each registered UBCA umbrella organization may submit one presiding officer or two co-presiding officers for recognition. Vice Presidents and Non-Umbrella organizations are not automatically included but may register and pay separately if desired.
Registration Includes:
Formal event invitation
Participation in the Inauguration Ceremony
Optional gavel engraving
Gavel Fees:
Free for umbrella organization presiding officers (must be registered with UBCA)
$20 for non-umbrella organization presiding officers, or non-presiding officers (VPs)
$10 flat rate for optional engraving
The registration form opens September 4, 2025 (first BPLC meeting) and closes October 9, 2025.
Late registration will be accepted through October 13, 2025 and will include an additional $5 late fee, even for BPLC Members.
Purchase online:
Gavel ($20): https://texasubca.org/store/p/gavel
Engraving ($10): https://texasubca.org/store/p/gavelengraving
(If you want both, complete both items at checkout.)
Match your RSVP: Use the same name you used on your RSVP.
Need another method? Email texasubca@gmail.com.
Your RSVP is not complete until payment is received.
Engraving requests cannot be changed or added after submission.
Presidential Registration
For Presiding Officers Only
Please complete this RSVP form to be formally included in the 2025 Black (BPLC) Inauguration ceremony. Guests do not need to RSVP, this form is only for student leaders being recognized.
AWARDS
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Honors a UT faculty or staff member whose work uplifts, empowers, and connects students to resources and opportunity, reflecting Director Brandelyn Flunder’s legacy of service and leadership.
Nominations for the 2025 Flunder Award are currently open and close on October 9th.
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Honors a UT student leader whose service and advocacy advance a more diverse, welcoming campus, reflecting Brianna McBride’s impact in student leadership and public service.
Nominations for the 2025 McBride Award are open and close on October 9th.
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 »