THE FUTURE OF BLACK LIBRARIANSHIP
iBlackCaucus
A virtual, program-independent student organization for Black/African American LIS graduate students
Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Award
FALL 2025 HAPPENINGS
Get support
BCALA sponsors a virtual, national organization for Black/African American LIS grad students.
Get Connected
Know an MLIS student or are you interested in a career in library and info science? Current and future LIS grad students are welcome to COMPLETE THIS FORM to become involved in iBlackCaucus.
Get Started
JOIN BCALA for our open dialogues, student-only discussions, and study hours. Check out our schedule.
Meet Our 2025 iBlackCaucus Fellow, Leigh!
Leigh Walters, iBC Student Fellow, 2025
Leigh is currently pursuing an MLIS at the University of Maryland and has a strong background in historical research, education, and congressional relations. She holds a Master’s in African American Studies from Morgan State University and a Bachelor’s in History from Mercyhurst University. Leigh currently works as a Congressional Relations Specialist for Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress. In this role, she supports Congress and their staff with research inquiries while also organizing and hosting outreach webinars for congressional staffers. She has extensive experience working and volunteering in museums, including the U.S. Capitol and the President Woodrow Wilson House Museum, where she developed educational programming and led tours. Leigh draws from her extensive experience in historical research to enhance public understanding of history and government information policies.
Curious what’s new this fall at iBC? Find out below!
“REAL TALK” STUDENT DISCUSSION
NAVIGATING THE MLIS JOURNEY
Take part in an LIS grad student-led discussion on navigating your MLIS program. Learn about BCALA support for student members.
Moderated by Leigh Walters, iBlackCaucus Fellow
Speakers: Aaron Wilson, Lyric Grimes, and Leah Sutherland
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
3PM EST / 12Pm PST
WEBINAR
Information for All:
A Conversation on
Truth, Strategy, and Strength
In today’s politically charged climate, access to credible information is urgent. As information professionals, we are acutely aware of the consequences: key data quietly vanishes from government websites, and those who share facts that challenge the current administration risk professional repercussions. This webinar offers a candid conversation about the realities we face and the strategies we can use to respond with strength. We’ll explore how disinformation spreads, why public trust is eroding, and how we, as stewards of information, can promote accurate information and empower our communities in the face of growing pressures.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
2PM EST / 11AM PST
Check out our “For Students” Page to learn more about our student resources!
Courses on Black Librarianship
Want to stay connected with BCALA & iBlackCaucus? Follow us on our social media channels!
X: @bc_ala | IG: @bc_ala |Email:[email protected]
Contact iBlackCaucus
Phone: 917-856-8923
CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF