#WEAreBPIA Social Media Campaign Day

#WEAreBPIA: Social Media Campaign

September 1 | National BPIA Week 2026

Each year on September 1, the BPIA community comes together to celebrate #WEAreBPIA, our annual Founders' Day celebration honoring the people, purpose, and legacy that continue to shape our organization.

More than a social media campaign, #WEAreBPIA is an opportunity for members, alumni, partners, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on our shared journey while looking toward the future. Throughout the day, participants are invited to use their personalized BPIA Spotlight Framework to share their stories, celebrate their accomplishments, and highlight what being part of the BPIA community means to them across social media.

Whether you have been with BPIA for decades or recently joined our network, your voice is part of our story. Together, we celebrate the leaders who built this organization, recognize those advancing its mission today, and inspire the next generation of Black professionals in international affairs.

How to Participate

1. Download the official BPIA Spotlight Framework.
2. Make a copy of the template before editing. Please do not edit the original file directly.
3. Personalize your copy with your photo, accomplishments, career highlights, or what BPIA means to you.
4. Share your completed spotlight on September 1 using #WEAreBPIA and tag @iabpia so we can celebrate your story with our community.

Honoring Barbara C. Patterson

Founders' Day also pays tribute to Barbara C. Patterson, whose vision established the foundation for what BPIA has become today.

Recognizing the need for greater African American representation and leadership in international affairs, diplomacy, and global engagement, Barbara C. Patterson founded Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) in 1989. An accomplished international educator, she established the first International Programs Office at the University of the District of Columbia, taught at the College of West Africa in Monrovia, Liberia, and served as Associate Dean of Students at Howard University.

BPIA made its public debut in November 1990 with the landmark symposium, "A Salute to African American Ambassadors," setting the stage for decades of leadership, professional development, and community building.

Today, as BPIA enters its 37th year of service and global impact, we proudly honor Barbara C. Patterson's enduring legacy while reaffirming our commitment to expanding opportunities, strengthening our community, and preparing the next generation of Black leaders to shape the future of international affairs.