Celebrating Tradition: 2nd Annual Black Student Graduation
SMC’s Pan African Alliance and Black Collegians program held the second-ever Black student graduation.
Karuna Namala | Culture Editor
In a whirlwind of blue gowns, drumming, dancing, and African traditions, Santa Monica College’s (SMC) Pan African Alliance (PAA) held the second annual Black Student Graduation Ceremony. This year’s ceremony occurred at John Adams Performing Arts Theatre on Monday, June 10.
Per African tradition, Dr. Jermaine Junius, a communications professor at SMC and President of the PAA, asked the elders in the room for approval to begin the ceremony. On the unanimous yes, drumming emerged from the back as six young dancers led the SMC graduates to their seats at the front of the auditorium.
As the graduates took their seats, Kristin Ross, the only full-time Black female math professor at SMC and Vice President of the PAA, alongside Jocelyn Winn, SMC’s student services specialist and secretary/treasurer of the PAA, congratulated the graduates.
Winn addressed the allies in the room and asked them to repeat mantras directed to the graduates. “I see you, I am listening to you, I will stand up for you, and may your legacy be great,” said Winn and the allies.
After, the newly formed SMC Black Student Choir sang “Lift Every Voice,” often called the Black National Anthem.
Sherri Bradford, leader of SMC’s Black Collegians Program, and Black Collegians board member Cameron Terry, a communications student, led the pouring of the libation.
Bradford asked the audience and graduates to shout out the names of those they had lost in their lives. In response, participants repeated “Ashe,” the Yoruba word for " so be it.”
After honoring those who have passed on, Bradford brought out Leisha Smith, this year’s student triumph speaker and Spring 2024 President of The Black Collegians club.
Smith received the largest scholarship SMC has to offer and graduated with five associate degrees. She is also a first-generation American and college student.
Upon reaching the podium, Smith said, “I’m feeling a lot of joy right now – Not just any joy, but Black joy.”
Her speech was centered on embracing that Black joy, and she encouraged students to explore and discover its meaning.
Bridgette Robinson, also known as Bridgette Bianca, shared her poetry after Smith’s speech. Robinson is an English professor at SMC, a poet, and the author of the book “be/trouble.”
“We won't let that crown slip,” she said. Robinson’s poem was directed at the students.
The final speech before the graduates walked was the keynote address from Kenya Sullivan, a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Academic Beast Mode. This mental health service caters to “Black and brown college students,” according to Sullivan.
Sullivan shared his story of academic failure, probation, and encounters with law enforcement and how he worked hard to rise above it.
He addressed the tribulations students currently face living in a society that perpetuates anti-Blackness and brownness. Sullivan said he wants students to have the skills to “navigate the waters of anti-this and anti-that.”
Sullivan encouraged students to fight against racism and misogyny, warning students not to fall into gender wars that divide people of color.
Finally, students began to walk the stage. Each student received a certificate scroll from the Black Collegians Program, a handshake or hug from faculty elders, and a Pan-African sash.
To end the ceremony, Junius thanked his colleagues for helping him create the annual Black Student Graduation. In only its second year, the ceremony has increased by 147 graduates and 409 degrees.
“You are the right generation at the right time,” said Sullivan.