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After a three-year hiatus because of COVID-19, 91���� University celebrated graduating Black and African American students during the Spring 2022 Kente Stole Celebration in the Student Union Apollo Room on April 19.

The pre-commencement event celebrated 155 students as they transition into the next chapter of their lives by presenting each with a Kente Stole to wear during graduation on April 29 and 30.

The colorful stole with alternating patterns represents knowledge of the self and overcoming displacement and struggle throughout the African diaspora.

“To receive this I’m honored,” said Johnny Holloway, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public health.

The celebration also included the presentation of the 2022 Bolinga Excellence in Service and Teaching Awards. The award recipients were:

• Wade Price II, senior marketing major: BEST Legacy Award
• Reginald Gibson, senior liberal studies major: Living Testimony Award
• Nicole Carter, Ph.D., director of the Women’s Center: Dr. Arthur Thomas Award
• Ariana Ellis, sophomore social work major: BEST Student Employee of the Year
• Black Student Union: BEST Student Organization

“It’s really a day to come together in a unique and significant way and also acknowledge academic achievements of our students,” said Quatez Scott, intercultural specialist in the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center.

91���� will hold two spring commencement ceremonies in the 91���� University Nutter Center:

• Graduate School: Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m.
• Undergraduate: Saturday, April 30, at 10 a.m.