First held in 2000, the Afro-American Cultural Center’s annual Black Graduates’ Celebration is a community-wide celebration in which we commemorate the various accomplishments of our graduating students. Attendees hear from alumni and administrators. The highlight of the event is the annual stoling ceremony, during which each graduate is presented with a custom made kente cloth stole by a relative, mentor, friend or loved one of their choosing. Native to Ashanti of South Ghana, kente is a handwoven, ceremonial silk that is worn during important religious and social occasions. Students of African heritage have traditionally worn kente stoles over their commencement robes to demonstrate pride in their heritage and to mark the achievement of graduating. Additionally, awards are given out to recognize our graduating students’ extraordinary achievements in various areas of academics, leadership, athletics and service.
Yale Black Graduates' Celebration 