Alverno College celebrates students of color with rites of passage

Events mix tradition and sisterhood

In a tradition that goes back more than 25 years, Alverno College honored graduating students of color in various cultural ceremonies on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

Since 1994, Alverno has held a Bestowing of the Kente, a rite of passage recognizing black students who are graduating seniors, earning a master’s degree, or completing a certification program. Each honoree is presented with a Kente cloth – a hand-woven ceremonial stole featuring bright colors that honor West African heritage. During the ceremony, the students honor and thank the loved ones who have supported them on their educational journeys. The ceremony is a way for black students and their families to celebrate their heritage as well as their achievement. Alverno is one of only a handful of colleges in the U.S. that recognize black graduates with the Bestowing of the Kente ceremony separate from graduation, and more than 900 people have taken part in the ceremony since its inception. This ceremony took place at in the Bucyrus Conference Center. Along with bestowing the Kente, there were special ceremonies honoring Latino and Asian students

Pictured at the event are (front row, from left) Mariah Erby, Rayona Howled, De’Miesha McKnight-Taylor, Riki Nelson, Napewter Wisdom, Carissa Bonds, Layla Johnson; (back row, from left) Retiki Seals, Janae Wright, Tara Martin, Alona McMurtry, Keonna Munoz, Theressa Taylor, and Trila Pitchford.