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The 'Greatness in the Room'

The Student Multicultural Center celebrated its graduates on the eve of university commencement ceremonies

鈥淭he greatness in this room can be seen, felt and heard,鈥 said Cesquinn Curtis, associate vice president, Division of Student Affairs while speaking at Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebraci贸n de los Graduados on Wednesday.

Cesquinn Curtis at Karamu

Cesquinn Curtis, associate vice president, Division of Student Affairs

Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebraci贸n de los Graduados is a pre-commencement tradition that was presented by the E. Timothy Moore Student Multicultural Center (SMC) inside the large commencement tent on Manchester Field on the Kent Campus.

Ramone Hardy at Karamu

Ramone Hardy, digital media production major and member of Kent State's Class of 2023

It is a final 鈥渞ites of passage鈥 graduation ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of all graduating African American, Native American, Latino, Hispanic and multiracial undergraduate and graduate students.

First-gen grad cap at Karamu

More that 250 people attended the celebration. Michael Daniels, Ph.D., director of the Student Multicultural Center (SMC), said having so many families and friends present, along with representatives from across the university, is a significant part of this program鈥檚 continued success.

Michael Daniels at Karamu

Michael Daniels, Ph.D., director of the Student Multicultural Center

Daniels said the people in attendance were moved by the remarks made by the speakers at the event, as they felt represented in the stories they shared. He also added, 鈥淚 loved seeing the students with their children crossing the stage along with them. It reminds folks that these graduates are more than just students.鈥

Student at Karamu

The ceremony was especially personal for Daniels. 鈥淭hese undergraduate students were part of the first cohort that I brought in as director of the SMC, so I had the opportunity to watch this group grow over the last four years,鈥 he said.

A. Bliss and Michael Daniels at Karamu

Arianna Bliss (left), studio arts major and member of Kent State's Class of 2023.

Several longtime supporters of the SMC receiving their graduate degrees also were in attendance. 鈥淪eeing staff members who have helped make the program a success for years like Dr. Lashonda Taylor and Dr. Yvonna Washington-Greer participate as graduates was so special, and we were glad we could celebrate their achievements,鈥 said Daniels.

Lashonda Taylor and Yvonna Washington-Greer at Karamu

New doctoral degree holders, Daysjia Simone Black, Ed.D., Lashonda Taylor, Ed.D., (center) and Yvonna Washington-Greer, Ph.D.(right)

At the ceremony, speakers provide remarks before students are recognized and each is bestowed with a cultural stole by a faculty member in their respective college. 

Michael Daniels with student at Karamu

Karamu Ya Wahitimu/Celebraci贸n de los Graduados is part of a full schedule of Spring Commencement activities this week at Kent State. 

Dr. Lashonda Taylor at Karamu
POSTED: Friday, May 12, 2023 09:08 AM
Updated: Thursday, June 1, 2023 10:09 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Phil B. Soencksen