About this Event
The Precursors are defined as the first Black undergraduates to enroll at The University of Texas at Austin in 1956. This year marks 70 years since they first set foot on campus. Their courage paved the way for us to attend, graduate, and come back to the 40 acres to call it home.
The Texas Exes Black Alumni Network is pleased to welcome our fellow Longhorn alumni, students, and sponsors to the Precursors Legacy Gala: Celebrating the First, Inspiring the Next. Join us as we honor the Precursors’ legacy, celebrate 70 years of Black Longhorns, and raise $70,000 for Black student scholarships.
The Precursors Legacy Gala Details:
This year, The Precursors Legacy Gala will be on Friday, October 23rd, 2026. (Not during the Texas Black Homecoming festivities in September.)
Location: Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 9:30 pm
6 pm: The gala reception will be held in the pre-function area outside of the Connally Ballroom. A cashless bar will be available.
7 pm: The Precursors Legacy Gala will commence in the Connally Ballroom with a three-course plated dinner served. Vegan/vegetarian meal will be available.
Hotel Room Accommodations:
We know hotels during the weekend of October 23rd are expensive due to F1; we have arranged a *free travel planning service to support your arrangements.
Please contact Marilyn McBride with Memorable Events Travel at (713) 298-2750 to find the best hotel option for you.
Our Signature Keynote Speaker: Mr. Gary Bledsoe
We are proud to introduce Mr. Gary Bledsoe, Class of 1976 (UT Law), as our signature Keynote Speaker for The Precursors Legacy Gala.
A two-time University of Texas at Austin alumnus and a renowned civil rights lawyer, Gary Bledsoe has served as president of the NAACP Texas Chapter since 1991 and Austin NAACP Branch President from 1987 to 1991. He has also served on the NAACP National Board since 2003 and chaired the organization's National Criminal Justice Committee. In 2017, Bledsoe was named acting dean of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
For his work in voting rights, desegregation, and employment discrimination, Bledsoe has received numerous awards such as: lawyer of the year awards from the Texas Attorney General, the Travis County Bar Association, and the Austin Area Urban League, NAACP Benjamin L. Hooks Keeper of the Flame award, and the National NAACP State President of the Year Award. Under Bledsoe’s leadership, the Texas NAACP received two Juanita Jackson Mitchell Advocacy Awards for Legal Activism.
Welcome our Mistress of Ceremonies: Dr. Cierra Campbell Bridges
Dr. Cierra Campbell Bridges is Director of Enrollment Strategy and Partnerships in the Office of Admissions at The University of Texas at Austin and the founder of Bridges2Bridges, LLC, a coaching, speaking, and consulting platform focused on leadership and personal growth. A proud first-generation college graduate and three-time Longhorn alumna, she has devoted nearly two decades to advancing student success, access, and opportunity in higher education.
Cierra is a wife, mother of two, community leader, and member of Greater Mount Zion Church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. As a Black woman whose educational journey was made possible by those who courageously challenged barriers before her, she is especially honored to serve as emcee for The Precursors Legacy Gala: Celebrating the First, Inspiring the Next. Returning for her third consecutive year, she is proud to help celebrate the students who integrated UT Austin seventy years ago and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Introducing our Featured Performer: Chris Teague
Chris Teague is an independent R&B artist, singer, songwriter, and saxophonist based in Austin, Texas. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Chris began his musical journey through open mics and collaborations with the university’s Gospel Choir before developing his signature blend of soulful vocals, smooth R&B melodies, and saxophone.
Since releasing his debut project, Unavailable, in 2020 and his follow-up project, Valuable, in 2023, Chris has performed across the country, headlined his first Texas tour, and shared the stage with acclaimed artists including Stevie Wonder, Xavier Omär, and Shaun Martin of Snarky Puppy. His music has also been featured on Sofar Sounds, including a live performance of his top-streamed song, “Brown Liquor.” Chris continues to bring an authentic, soulful energy to every stage he touches.
Interested in joining us as a Sponsor or Underwriter? Please view and download our or at .
The 70 for 70 Campaign: Honor the First, Invest in Those Next
This year, the Texas Exes Black Alumni Network invites alumni, friends, and supporters to honor the Precursors' legacy by giving toward our 70 for 70 Campaign. 70 for 70 represents the 70th Anniversary of the first Black undergraduate students to enroll at The University of Texas at Austin. This campaign aims to open doors for the next generation of Black Longhorns by raising $70,000 by May 1st, 2027.
You can find more information about the campaign here: texasexes.org/70for70
Longhorns Beyond the Forty Acres
We want to honor our Black Texas Exes who have passed away since we were together in the Fall of 2025. Please submit the information outlined below to [email protected] by Friday, September 25th
- Alumni full name
- Date of birth to Date of death
- Years attended UT
- Picture
Event venue & nearby stays
Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, United States
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