About

Our History

The roots of the Clemente & Tuley High Schools Black Alumni Association (CTBAA) reach back through generations of Black students, educators, friendships, and experiences connected to both Tuley High School and Roberto Clemente High School.

Tuley served generations of students before closing in 1974, with its remaining students and staff became part of the newly opened Roberto Clemente High School. At Clemente, the Afro Club, along with groups such as Soul Patrol and Zeta Beta Iota (ZBI), became an important part of the Black student experience, promoting culture, leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship.

In September 2009, former Clemente Afro Club President Desiree McClellan created the Tuley & Clemente Afro Club Alumni Association Facebook page to reconnect former classmates. What began as an online gathering quickly grew into plans for an in-person reunion.

McClellan organized the first committee:

Connie Akins

Tracy Coleman

Anita (Weston) Haywood

Charles Hemphill (Advisor)

Andre Washington

Jimmy Williams

Sharon (Grant) Williams

Wendell Young

On August 14, 2010, alumni, family, and friends gathered for the first reunion, “Remember the Times,” which also honored beloved Afro Club sponsor Mr. Thomas Jackson, whose mentorship had influenced generations of students.

As the alumni community grew, the vision expanded beyond former Afro Club members to include Black alumni from both Tuley (closed) and Clemente High Schools. The organization eventually became the Clemente & Tuley High Schools Black Alumni Association -  CTBAA, pronounced “See-Tee-Buh.”

Today, CTBAA is a 100% volunteer-led organization committed to preserving Black alumni history and strengthening alumni connections. In May 2027, CTBAA will award its first Thomas Jackson Memorial Scholarship, with further plans for cultural programming, community service, mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities.

One Association. A Shared Legacy.

From two schools came generations of stories.
From those stories came a community.
From that community came a mission.

Legacy. Honor. Purpose.