Texas Exes Black Alumni Network Precursors Legacy Gala

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.

Gary Bledsoe, a two-time UT Austin alumnus, is President of the Texas NAACP and has held that position since being elected in 1991. He is an Austin lawyer who emphasizes employment, civil rights, and public interest law. Bledsoe served as Austin Branch President from 1987 to 1991 and has served on the National Board of Directors since 2003. He currently is the Chair of the National Legal Committee and the National Housing Committee and Vice-Chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Subcommittee of the National Board of Directors.

Bledsoe’s ties with the NAACP enabled him to make substantial civil rights changes, including his handling of several civil rights complaints, securing landmark settlements resulting in the creation of minority scholarship programs, helping secure the extension of the Voting Rights Act in 2006, and helping create the 9th Congressional District as a minority opportunity district. In 2017, Bledsoe was named acting dean of Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. While serving as Acting Dean of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he taught a seminar on Thurgood Marshall, he became the first Dean of the Law School to be named Administrator of the Year by the Student Bar Association. He is the Permanent Class President of the University of Texas School of Law class of 1976

He graduated from the University of Texas undergraduate school with a Bachelor of Arts in Government with Honors and Special Departmental Honors. He is married to Alberta Phillips, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, and they have raised two sons who are pursuing successful careers in acting. ’

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.