The Bigger Picture: Why The AfterYard Matters
The AfterYard is more than just a party—it's the beginning of a movement.
Built by alumni, for alumni, The AfterYard is a social experience with purpose. While we gather to reconnect, unwind, and celebrate our shared legacy at Johnson C. Smith University, our mission reaches far beyond the backyard.
We’re cultivating a new model of alumni engagement—one that centers connection, culture, and commitment to giving back.
Our Long-Term Vision
The AfterYard is intentionally designed to:
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Strengthen alumni ties beyond Homecoming weekend
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Raise funds to support student-centered programs and initiatives
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Elevate JCSU’s specific alumni programming and help amplify Black excellence
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Provide year-round engagement opportunities between students and alumni
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Promote financial literacy and professional growth within our alumni network
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Expanding the Movement: The AfterYard is setting the standard for elevated, culturally-rooted alumni experiences — with plans to bring this vibe to other HBCU homecomings, inspiring deeper alumni engagement, campus support, and community-building across the entire HBCU network.
Investing in Legacy
By supporting The AfterYard, you’re not just investing in an event—you’re investing in the future of Black students, HBCU culture, and the powerful legacy of JCSU. Let’s turn connection into commitment. Celebration into community impact. And a vibe into a vehicle for change. Partner with us—and help shape the future, together.
An Independent Alumni Effort
Note: The AfterYard is not an official program of Johnson C. Smith University. It is an independent initiative created by alumni who are proudly and actively engaged in programming, organizations, and efforts that support the growth of the university, the success of its students, and the celebration of HBCU culture. This event reflects a deep commitment to community, legacy, and the ongoing impact of JCSU alumni.
