Student-led initiative advances, celebrates experiences of Black students across campus
The fall convocation ceremonies mark the beginning of a new chapter for graduates and a chance to look back on milestones from the past academic year. Among them was the University of Guelph’s inaugural Black Graduation and Achievement Ceremony held earlier this year.
The small, intimate ceremony celebrated the accomplishments, hard work and dedication of 30 Black graduates, recognizing the unique journey of Black students at predominantly white institutions.
The student-led initiative was born from discussions among the leaders of Black student clubs, such as Yolanda Grant, co-president of the Guelph Black Students Association. The goal was to create an environment where Black students could be in community with one another, celebrating their achievements and sharing their cultures.
“This will be part of U of G’s legacy and I’m so proud and honoured to be part of that,” Grant says. “I felt really, truly seen. Now, I feel part of the story, the narrative of U of G.”
‘Our achievements matter’
Grant and her fellow student leaders worked with Shelleanne Hardial, associate director, Student Experience, and Alexis Charles, coordinator of Black Student Success in Student Experience.
In recent years, similar ceremonies have taken place at other Ontario universities, and Hardial says, “We want to be leaders in this field. The Black Graduation and Achievement Ceremony marked one of the University’s most tangible commitments to advancing and celebrating the experiences of Black students and communities.”
With the help of Dr. Jade Ferguson, AVP, Academic Equity and Inclusion, the group applied for an EDI Enhancement Fund offered by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights and then added faculty, staff and alum to a committee to see the event come to fruition.
In addition to the 30 graduates able to attend in person, five attended virtually. Each graduate was bestowed with a Kente stole, a symbol of achievement and overcoming hardship made from handwoven Ghanaian fabric.
The ceremony also honoured student leaders, recognized for their impact, and awards for leadership, scholarship and community engagement were given out. Among the 100 guests gathered were U of G faculty, staff, students and alumni including guest speaker Naki Osutei.
“Hearing from Black women is always so inspiring,” Grant says. “We are here, our achievements matter.”
‘You represent inspiration and hope’
U of G Chancellor Dr. Mary Anne Chambers also shared some words at the ceremony, thanking the graduates for believing in themselves and investing in their futures. “It is often acknowledged that we can be what we can see,” she said. “You are role models. You represent validation, inspiration and hope for others.”
To see their idea morph from concept to reality was surreal, Grant says. The event became bigger than anyone had anticipated, forged by a committee passionate about executing not just this year’s event, but ensuring it becomes a staple for generations to come.
“Seeing the University implement an event like this felt amazing,” Grant says. “Being in community with Black academics in academic spaces and hearing from alumni talk about their experiences, you realize how much things have grown at Guelph.”