Black Graduation Celebration
The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, SOAR Office, and the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host SIUE's Black Graduation Celebration Morris University Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4 p.m.
We encourage students to join us at the Graduation Celebrations for all the identities with which they align and feel affirmed.
The Kente Ceremony
Each graduate participating in the Black Graduation Celebration will receive a Kente stole, native to Ghana. Though Kente 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 thought. Note: No NPHC Kente stoles will be offered.
Event Details
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4 p.m., Morris University Center, Meridian Ballroom
Participation in the SIUE Black Graduation Celebration is open to all SIUE undergraduate, graduate and professional students who will earn their degree in the spring of 2025. Only students who have registered are guaranteed to be listed in the program and to receive their recognition certificate and Kente stole.
Registration Information
Click to complete the registration form which opens March 1, 2025 and closes April 17, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
- Student Registration will close on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. No additional participants will be added after this date. After registering, students will receive a confirmation e-mail from the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub with details/expectations for the event.
- Faculty, staff and other guests can register to attend the event by completing the guest registration form.
*This is an in-person event in the Meridian Ballroom at the Morris University Center.
What is the Black Graduation Celebration?
The Black Graduation Celebration is a pre-commencement celebration to honor African, African American, and Black students who, through unyielding determination and academic achievements, have successfully completed an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The ceremony acknowledges the sense of scholarly community among students and honors African and African American culture and culminates with a Kente stole presentation.
SIUE Black Graduation Celebration is...
- An event for graduates to invite your family, close friends and those most important to you
- An opportunity to honor YOU and all you have accomplished at SIUE
- A special gathering you would ask a favorite professor or staff member to attend
- The event where you can receive your Kente stole to wear at your SIUE Commencement Ceremony.
This is not a commencement ceremony. It is a pre-commencement celebration honoring African, African American, and Black students and does not replace the formal SIUE Commencement ceremonies.
