In her first novel, “A Darker Shade of Crimson” the protagonist gives the reader advice for surviving at Harvard, including, “laugh at their jokes, shout when necessary, dress impeccably, have a best friend, and be very, very good”—a passage that drew chuckles from the audience.
In addition to Thomas-Graham, S. Allen Counter, the director of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, and David L. Evans, senior admissions officer of Harvard College, were the night’s official honorees.
“I think it’s very important for African-Americans to share their experiences with each other.” Thomas-Graham said. “I was happy to participate.”
Black student leaders—who had been planning the event for eighteen months—said they were pleased with the turnout.
“My main hope—and I’m sure I share this with the rest of the committee—is that in the coming years we will be able to ride the wave of enthusiasm toward student-alum and alum-alum relations to provide warm and intellectual resources to one another.” said Jennifer N. Wynn ’06, the Black Student Association’s Alumni Representative.
—Staff writer Monica M. Clark can be reached at mclark@fas.harvard.edu.