An annual community-wide celebration
This year’s celebration for Black graduates will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 4-6pm EST at Woolsey Hall, located at 500 College Street, New Haven CT.
General Information
This year’s celebration for Black graduates will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 4-6pm EST at the Woolsey Hall, located inside the Schwarzman Center at 500 College Street, New Haven CT. If you are a graduating student who is registered for the event, please visit the logistics page for detailed instructions.
Awards
Be sure to submit your nominations for awards here no later than NOON EST on Monday, April 29, 2024. Anybody can nominate graduating Yale students for the categories below.
Awards for Graduating Students
- Professor Robert Farris Thompson ’55 PhD Award for Outstanding Research in the Advanced Study of Africa
- Professor John Blassingame ’71 PhD Award for Outstanding Research in African American History & Culture
- Award for Outstanding Graduate Research in the African Diaspora
- Caroline Jackson Smith ’74 Award for Outstanding Leadership at the Afro-American Cultural Center
- Khalid Lum Award for Outstanding Commitment by a Graduate/Professional Student to the Mission & Legacy of the Afro-American Cultural Center
- Janifer Lynn Lighten ’83 Leadership Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Mission & Legacy of the Afro-American Cultural Center
- Willard “Woody” Brittain, Jr. ’70 Leadership Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Mission & Legacy of the Afro-American Cultural Center
- Arthur L. Pulley ’53 LLB and Bernice Cosey Pulley ’55 DIV Research Award for the Advancement of Peace and Justice in the Americas and Africa
- Leadership Award for Community Arts & Service
- Calvin Hill ’69 Excellence in Athletics & Service Award
- Award for Outstanding Yale College Student/Flagbearer
- Award for Outstanding Graduate/Professional Student/Flagbearer
- Nominations for all awards may be submitted here by April 29th at noon.
Stoling Information:
During the Black Graduates’ Ceremony, each graduate is presented with a custom-made Kente cloth stole by a relative, partner, mentor, or friend of their choosing. Participants typically choose someone who has played an instrumental role in their Yale career or someone they care deeply about.
Stoles are only free for graduates who participate in the ceremony, and will be given out during the ceremony. For those who choose not to participate, stoles may be purchased at The House on Friday, May 17th at 4-6PM, while supplies last. Stoles are $40, and we accept exact cash and card payments.
Yale Black Graduates' Celebration 