Black/African American Graduation Celebration

Multicultural Graduation Celebrations History & Context

Started in 2018 from growing student interests and alignment of campus initiatives with peer institutions, the Asian Presidents’ Council, Black Student Alliance Council, and the Hispanic Presidents’ Council, held the first Multicultural Graduation at Texas A&M University. The Multicultural Graduation was founded on the need and intentions of creating a formal space for our multicultural graduates to celebrate and honor their cultural heritage and history with their family, friends, and the campus community. It was also the same year that the LatinX Graduation was founded by a collection of student organizations and campus partners. 

In 2021, the Multicultural Graduation Celebration transitioned to three cultural ceremonies dedicated to each respective historically underrepresented racial and ethnic student population: the inaugural Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Graduation Ceremony, the inaugural Black Graduation Ceremony, the 3rd annual Latinx Graduation Ceremony. 

Each graduate will receive a stole for the cultural group that they choose to identify. View each stole below.

Kente Stole

Since at least the mid to late 1970s, many African American graduates wear a kente cloth, derived from the Ghanian textile cloth that is usually worn by Kings and Queens, over their graduation robes. The kente stole represents the graduates' pride in their African heritage, and their pride in their accomplishment of graduating. The 2018 BSAC Board decided to use the Adinkra (A-DIN-KRA) symbol, Nea Onnim No Sua A Ohu, on the bottom of the stole to represent Lifelong Learning and boundless knowledge. The color maroon was to represent Texas A&M University.

View Kente Stole

FAQ

Can I register at the event? 

No, there won’t be onsite registration. 

What is the attire for the celebrations? 

Business casual to cocktail attire or traditional cultural dress and cap and gown can also be worn. 

Do I need to have my cap and gown? 

No, you do not need your cap and gown. 

As a graduating student, can I still participate in the celebration virtually? 

Yes, To participate virtually, please still complete the RSVP form. 

Do I have to graduate in May in order to participate? 

All (May, August, and December) graduates are eligible to participate. 

How can I see more from the previous ceremony?

View photos from the 2019 Black Graduation Celebration here.