Aaron Daye is a native of Durham, NC, and has called Gainesville, FL home for over 15 years. In that time, he gained the distinct privilege of becoming the first black photographer for the Gainesville Sun Newspaper, Santa Fe College and the University of Florida. His photography work has been distributed and published nationally in over 40 publications, including the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Ebony Magazine, HOME Magazine, Women’s Day Magazine and the redesigned Florida Gator Alumni Magazine, engaging UF alumni and friends of the Gator Nation worldwide. 

Aaron is also an author, graphic designer and entrepreneur. He is co-founder of Black Films Matter, an organization that cultivates experiences and evoke purposeful discussions by providing private screenings of black films within the community. He has also appeared in the TV show “David Makes Man” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Aaron continues to make his impact in the Gainesville community through his involvement with the Nu Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., serving as a founding board member of 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, Inc. as well as servicing local businesses through his graphic design company Gorillaz Ink.

In 2019, Aaron joined the Gator Nation serving as President of the ABA Gainesville Chapter. During his term, Aaron served as chair of Black Alumni Reunion. He partnered with TopGolf to host UF black alumni for “Bar Then Par Topgolf in the Swamp” at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, which garnered a Clubbie Award for the most Outstanding Affiliate Group Young Alumni Event. Additionally, Aaron received the inaugural Affiliate Group Regional Director’s Award. He continues his service to the Gator Nation as the Immediate Past President of the Gainesville Chapter, while serving in his first year as Vice President of Communications for the UF ABA National Board.