27th Annual Black Graduation and Kente Ceremony

About the Black Graduation Ceremony

The Black Graduation Ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration to honor African and African American students who through unyielding determination have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from the University of Washington. The Ceremony is representative of African and African American culture and heritage, embraces the value of community and scholarship, and culminates with a Kente Stole presentation. This is a Celebration for Graduates to be recognized for their accomplishments and provided an opportunity to honor significant people who have helped them achieve their goal. Students are honored together in one setting and their families also get the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

Participation in the 2023 UW Black Graduation Ceremony is open to all UW Seattle undergraduate and graduate students who have earned their degree between Autumn ‘22, Winter ‘23, Spring ‘23 or are scheduled to earn their degree Summer ‘23. Graduates must register by May 12, 2023 to be listed in the program and receive a recognition gift.

The Kente Ceremony

Kente is native to Ghana and was developed in the 17th century by the Ashanti people. It has its roots in a long tradition of African weaving, dating back to about 3000 B.C. Often reserved for royalty, the stole is a visual representation of history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious beliefs, social values and political thoughts.
During the Ceremony each graduate will be gifted with a Kente stole.