By: Amanda Clarke Staff Writer
Coming June, Western will be celebrating its third Black Graduation.
The event will be put on by John Wilkins from Campus Life and Student Activities, along with Lavender Graduation, according to Courtney Briscoe, junior psychology major, the current president of the Black Student Union. The Black Student Union on campus will cosponsor the event.
Black Graduation is rooted in African and Black cultural traditions, a
nd is open for all participants who not only identify as African American, but also identify with other culturally Black backgrounds.
Briscoe said the Black Student Union contributes to Black Graduation “to recognize those students who identify as Black and their success of graduating from a four-year university. It is also important because these students are attending a predominantly white campus, and by contributing, BSU is meeting our goal of promoting Black excellence.”
“Black Graduation is an event for the African American community to come together embracing our culture through the celebration of our success in graduating,” said Thelma Hale, a member of the Black Student Union on campus.
During the event, participants can expect a keynote speaker, as well as the opportunity to speak. In the past, participants have received stoles from the Black Student Union.
An award that may be given is the “kente cloth,” which is a symbol of “history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious beliefs, social values, and political thoughts,” Briscoe said. Briscoe also said students will receive awards which “recognize their efforts on campus.”
Black Graduation is expected to take anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half.
“[It] is usually a small event, but the students who are graduating invite their family and friends to come celebrate with them,” Hale said.
“This event does not replace traditional [graduation], but it is an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends,” Wilkins said.
Black Graduation will take place June 10 at 3 p.m. in the Willamette room of Werner University Center.
Students who wish to participate can register on the forum on OrgSync by 11:59 p.m. May 29. Anyone is allowed to attend; however, Black Graduation is typically an intimate event between graduates and their families.
“Usually we would like to keep this reserved for the students, their families, and their guests,” Briscoe said.
For more information about the event, contact John Wilkins at wilkinsj@wou.edu.
Contact the author at amnclarke@gmail.com
