Kente Cloth Graduation Celebration

Onondaga Community College celebrated the achievements of graduating Black, African-American, and African students during the Kente Cloth Celebration. The event was held May 11 in Storer Auditorium. Each student received a colorful Kente Cloth which will be worn at commencement.

The event was organized and emceed by Flagan Prince, Director of Concurrent Enrollment & Secondary Programs for K-12 Partnerships at OCC. Speakers included OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill, Professor Tara Ross, J.D. who discussed the history of the Kente Cloth, and graduating students Lateisha Brandon (Human Services), Angel Gonzalez (General Studies), and Dreeasia Garner (Broadcast Media Communications).

Vincent Love of 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. provided words of encouragement to the students. The keynote address was delivered by B.J. Adigun, a first generation college graduate who earned a college scholarship playing football, and today is Director of Safety Net Community Partnership and Market Engagement at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The event was also highlighted by two musical performances by the Adanfo Cultural Ensemble from Ghana.

Congratulations to the graduating students! We look forward to seeing you at commencement wearing your Kente Cloth.