Donning of the Kente Ceremony: A Call for Celebration

(Photo from the University of Lynchburg Flickr page)

LYNCHBURG, VA – The University of Lynchburg will host its annual Donning of the Kente ceremony on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:30 in the Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center. This cherished tradition is a pre-commencement celebration honoring graduating students of African and African-American descent for their academic achievements, perseverance, and contributions to the University community.

Gloria Simon, director of Admissions, said, “I feel that this ceremony is a way of honoring those who have gone before us, and to say that their work is not vain.”

The Donning of the Kente ceremony provides a culturally significant space for students, their families, friends, faculty, and staff to acknowledge and celebrate their important milestones.

This special ceremony underscores the University of Lynchburg's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and celebrated. It serves as a testament to the strength, resilience, and academic excellence of the graduating class.

Josiah Randles, a senior at the university, said, “In college I was able to discover my African roots and with this ceremony it is a way for me to honor where I came from.”

The Donning of the Kente ceremony at the University of Lynchburg honors the heritage and celebrates the community of the graduating students as they prepare for the next chapter. 

The tradition of wearing the Kente cloth as a graduation stole at the University of Lynchburg has occurred over five years. A keynote speaker addresses the significance of the occasion and acknowledges the graduates accomplishments and their obstacles. Each student is then announced by the speaker their major and achievements. Faculty members, families, and friends drape the Kente stole over their shoulders. Graduates often wear these stoles during their graduation commencement ceremony.   

To RSVP to attend this event contact Dr.Robert Canida.