USC BKNPT Black Alumni Association
Why We Exist
The lack of representation of Black people in physical therapy has been a known problem since our profession’s inception. Black people make up almost 13 percent of our nation’s population, however, currently fewer than 4 percent of physical therapy students identify as Black, and fewer than 5 percent of working physical therapists identify as Black. Furthermore, fewer than 3 percent of the American Physical Therapy Association members identify as Black. This lack of representation is apparent throughout academia and health care, from the clinical level to institutional leadership.
Students, professionals and, most importantly, patients are greatly affected by this lack of representation, as minority providers disproportionately provide care to underserved populations. Thus, the USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Black Alumni Association was established to change these inequities, increase representation within our profession and serve those populations affected the most by healthcare disparities.
Vision and Mission Statement
Vision:
To change the landscape for optimal equity and inclusion within the USC Trojan Family, physical therapy profession and community at large.
Mission:
The USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Black Alumni Association uplifts and empowers Black PT and BKN students and alumni by providing CARE:
- Community
- Advocacy
- Representation
- Equity
The Students
We work alongside departmental faculty aiding in recruitment, retention and improvement of the experience for Black students at USC. We promote clinical and professional excellence by providing career mentoring, scholarship and outreach.
The Alumni
We serve as a network between the students, faculty and alumni. We are dedicated to increasing representation and the advancement of Black rehabilitation professionals in healthcare by empowering alumni to overcome biased systems and advocate for diversity.
The Community
We will improve the quality of life of the communities we serve through advocacy and volunteerism. We aim to increase cultural competence in healthcare. Our goal is to uplift and continually encourage our community towards greatness.
Organizational Structure
Executive Board
Sean Johnson
President
Amanda Rosette
Director of Mentorship
Adili Rikondja
Director of Social Media
Chris Floyd
Vice President
Ashley Sinclair
Director of Membership and Outreach
Ray Littles
Treasurer
Todd Norwood
Director of Fundraising
Chelsea Walden
Secretary
Rahnia Hassan
Director of Scholarship
Liaisons
Malcolm Jones
BKN Liaison
Didi Matthews
Faculty Liaison
Stay Connected
Stay connected with your fellow Black alumni through the USCBKNPT Black Alumni Association. Follow us on social media for regular updates.
Accomplishments
Annual Graduation Dinner
—In collaboration with the Membership and Outreach Committee, the Mentorship Committee hosts an annual graduation dinner to celebrate graduating students and officially welcome graduating students into the association as alumni.
Welcome Back Event
—Host Welcome Back Event to celebrate returning students and officially welcome incoming graduate students into our program.
Mentorship Program
—Since its launch, the program has mentored nearly 40 students.
—The program has expanded to include:
- Emergency Mentors: Experienced mentors available to provide short-term guidance on specific academic or professional challenges.
- Buddy Program: Recent graduates serve as peer mentors, providing academic support and guidance to help current students successfully navigate physical therapy school.
Professional Development Workshops
—October 2021: Resume Writing and Interviewing Speaker: Sharrica Miller, RN, PhD, Founder, Starter Nurse Academy
—October 2022: Understanding Student Loans: From Repayment to Forgiveness Speaker: Joseph Reinke, CFA, CEO of Fitbux
—December 2023: Community Conversations: Are DEI Programs Making an Impact? Facilitator: Joseph Robinson, PT, DPT, NCS
—June 2025: Advancing Practice with Technology: Navigating the Future with Telehealth and AI Speaker: Todd Norwood, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, FACHE, Senior Director of Clinical Services at Omada Health
Keep It Run Hundred
—2nd annual Post Marathon Recovery Station: provide treatment to Keep It Run Hundred (KIRH) runners for the L.A. Marathon. (3/8/26)
—Post marathon recovery station for Keep It Run Hundred’s “Through the Westside with Love” Half Marathon (10/4/25)
Annual Christmas Party Host Annual Association Holiday Party (12/6/26)
Black Love for Black Businesses
—Annual Black Love for Black Businesses campaign: a grassroots, collaborative, and community-centered initiative designed to promote and support Black-owned businesses through shared, mutually beneficial relationships
Combined Section Meetings
Black History Month partnership with NBPTA SoCal Chapter
—Partnered with the National Association of Black Physical Therapists Southern California Chapter to host a Black History Month Happy Hour (2/24-2/26)
USC BAA Student Summit
—Association leadership presented at the USC BAA Student Summit: March 31st, 2021 (3/31/21)
California PT Notes
—The USC BKN & PTBAA was highlighted in the California Physical Therapy Association Newsletter (2/25/21)