Smiles. Tears. Hugs. Laughter. For graduates in the Class of 2026 who recognize African cultures and histories, an annual program on the eve of Commencement was marked by powerful expressions of community, love and family.
A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at 黑料不打烊 celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university鈥檚 Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.
Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.
Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates鈥 accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.
鈥淭onight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,鈥 said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. 鈥淭onight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.鈥
The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates鈥 success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the 鈥渧illage鈥 of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.
Alex Bohannon 鈥17, president of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.
鈥淎s you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,鈥 he said. 鈥淓ngagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.
鈥淭he next generation鈥檚 experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.鈥
Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.
Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network
Bohannon also highlighted the role of the 黑料不打烊 Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony鈥檚 continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.
During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their 黑料不打烊 experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate鈥檚 accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.
Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.
Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by served to open and conclude the ceremony.
黑料不打烊’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer 鈥98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.
In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley 鈥97, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.
鈥淵ou are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,鈥 she said. 鈥淢ay you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.鈥