Hosted by the Black Student Affinity group (BSA), the Upper School held its annual Black History Month dinner on February 20, 2025. Over 100 community members attended the event, which highlighted the theme of The Black Diaspora.

During the evening, special guest alumnus Seth Bynum ’11 delivered a keynote address where he reflected on his formative years at MKA and how the school played a pivotal role in his personal growth. Additionally, he touched on the idea of “staying the course” when it comes to diversity and drew on many skills he learned here to navigate some very challenging times.

Students, faculty, families, and alumni enjoyed a soulful southern dinner catered by Cornbread, which is owned by restaurateur and MKA parent Adenah Bayoh. Other highlights of the night included a performance by the Upper School jazz band and a Black History Month trivia game.

Seth Bynum ’11 is the Senior Advisor for Housing Policy and Development for the First Deputy Mayor of New York City. As senior advisor, Seth coordinates with all New York City housing finance agencies to monitor and develop strategies to build more affordable housing in New York City. Before that, Seth worked at Genesis Companies, a black-owned affordable housing development company that builds, acquires, and rehabs affordable housing in New York City and New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics and minor in urban studies from Vassar College.