Alverno College’s annual Bestowing of the Kente is one of the oldest ceremonies of its kind in Wisconsin. The rite of passage recognizes 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… [Read More]
Bestowing of the Kente Award Archives
Alverno College’s ‘Bestowing of the Kente’ celebrates 25 years
December 13, 2019On Sunday, December 8, 2019, Alverno College celebrated the 25th anniversary of their “Bestowing of the Kente,” at the Alverno College Bucyrus Conference Center. The Bestowing of the Kente is a rite of passage recognizing African American students who are graduating seniors, earning a master’s degree, or completing a certification program. Each honoree is presented… [Read More]
‘Bestowing of the Kente’ ceremony honors African American graduates
May 23, 2019As part of a tradition that goes back nearly 25 years, Alverno College held its Bestowing of the Kente ceremony on Sunday, May 12, 2019. The Bestowing of the Kente is a rite of passage recognizing African American students who are graduating seniors, earning a master’s degree, or completing a certification program. Each honoree chooses… [Read More]
Alverno Bestowing of the Kente Graduation Ceremony
May 23, 2018Eleven African American women participated in the 42nd Bestowing of the Kente Award at Alverno College on May 13, 2018. The Bestowing of the Kente and Latinas con Fuerza ceremonies are culturally grounded Rites of Passage in which Alverno honors its African and Latina graduates’ heritage. Kente is a Fante-West African word meaning basket. The… [Read More]