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Black Harvard Students Organize Their Own Commencement

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Harvard University will have its first university-wide graduation ceremony for students of the African diaspora this year.

Black Commencement, organized by the Harvard Black Graduate Student Alliance, will take place on May 23, two days before the university’s traditional commencement ceremony.

Over 500 guests have signed up to watch more than 170 students adorned in African kente cloth stoles cross the stage during a ceremony that is “designed to celebrate their unique struggles and achievements at an elite institution that has been grappling with its historic ties to slavery,” according to the Boston Globe.

Though a predominately white institution, Harvard’s Black student population is growing, with 14 percent of the current freshman class being Black.

Harvard will also be holding it’s third annual graduation ceremony for students of Latin American descent this year.

“I can only imagine how special I will feel when I walk across that stage and be able to honor my identity and my struggle at Harvard,” said Courtney Woods, a graduating masters student and a student organizer for the ceremony. “I know this is exactly what students like me need to be inspired as we leave this place as emerging global leaders.”

Students have raised $27,000 for the ceremony so far, with many of the university’s graduate schools donating funds. Black students, alumni, and administrators will speak during the ceremony.

“This is an opportunity to tell everyone that we’re here and we’re an important part of the culture at Harvard,” said Michael Huggins, president of the Harvard Black Graduate Student Alliance. “And if you want to learn more about that, then come.”