In the late 1980s, a group of Black students at the University of California, Irvine decided to host a post-commencement graduation ceremony to create a more intimate and personal graduation experience. They hosted the first Black Graduation at Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana, but as the ceremony gained traction and popularity it got moved to campus in the Student Center and now in the Irvine Barclay Theater. The ceremony gave students the opportunity to recognize significant people who had helped them reach their goal including faculty, staff, friends and family. The event was deemed a success and has become an annual tradition.
Today, the tradition of the Black Graduation continues as a pre-commencement celebration open to all students who identify as part of the African diaspora and acknowledges graduates, who through unyielding determination, have successfully completed an undergraduate or post baccalaureate degree at the University of California, Irvine. The event recognizes their accomplishments and provides an opportunity for graduates to honor those who have helped them achieve their milestone. Graduates are honored together in one setting, as their families celebrate their hard work and dedication. This celebration reinforces the bonds of scholarship and extends the sense of community. It honors African and African American heritage and culture, which culminates with a Kente Ceremony where traditional stoles are presented to the graduates.
Today, the tradition of the Black Graduation continues as a pre-commencement celebration open to all students who identify as part of the African diaspora and acknowledges graduates, who through unyielding determination, have successfully completed an undergraduate or post baccalaureate degree at the University of California, Irvine. The event recognizes their accomplishments and provides an opportunity for graduates to honor those who have helped them achieve their milestone. Graduates are honored together in one setting, as their families celebrate their hard work and dedication. This celebration reinforces the bonds of scholarship and extends the sense of community. It honors African and African American heritage and culture, which culminates with a Kente Ceremony where traditional stoles are presented to the graduates.
Past Graduation Ceremonies
Black Graduation Celebration 2023 at the Irvine Barclay Theater
Black Graduation Celebration 2022 at the Irvine Barclay Theater
We Deserve 2020 Pan African Collegiate Graduation Celebration by Bad Robot + The Hamba Group