During the 2026 Homecoming Weekend, Black Alumni of Millikin (BAM) held an evening reception, during which Paul Branton ’95 was presented with BAM’s Legacy Award.
Ebony Guyton '15, and who also won the Young Alumnus Award at the 2026 Alumni Awards, presented the award to Branton. The award recognizes alumni whose leadership, service, accomplishments, and commitment to uplifting others have created a meaningful and lasting impact, embodying the spirit of legacy celebrated within the Black Millikin community.
"Your impact extends beyond your individual accomplishments. You are helping create a path for those who come after you, while representing the excellence, resilience, and community that make our alumni network so special," said Guyton in her presentation speech.
Paul Branton was born in 1973 in Chicago. He was influenced at an early age by the sights and sounds of the south side’s urban environment. Choosing visual art as his main focus, he entered Millikin University, majoring in Commercial Art with a strong emphasis in painting. It was at Millikin where he also discovered a love for poetry and a strong desire for painting, eventually putting on a one-man art exhibit displaying his works.
The art of Paul Branton has been exhibited throughout Illinois, including Millikin University, University of Chicago, DuSable Museum, Epiphany Center, Blanc Gallery, Gallery Guichard, Elmhurst Museum, and South Side Community Art Center. His work hangs in the homes of private owners from New York to Los Angeles.
Additionally that evening, the group recognized Dr. Karen Felton Broaders ’91/MBA ’27 for her support in helping them reach their first BAM Endowment milestone.
