Celebrating Black Excellence at Inaugural Black Graduation
On May 22, Fullerton College held its inaugural Black graduation ceremony in the campus theatre before family, friends and campus community members.
The ceremony kicked off with traditional African dance and percussion performances that led the student processional into the theater, which was followed by a rendition of the Black national anthem. Dr. Ernest L. Bridges, a retired professor of African American studies, then held an African libation ceremony which honored elders.
Dr. Bridges was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable dedication to student excellence. His influence spanned roles as an educator, faculty advisor and mentor to various campus organizations such as the Black Student Union and the Umoja community program coordinator.
The evening featured congratulatory remarks from Fullerton College President, Dr. Cynthia Olivo, North Orange County Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland and Special Projects Manager for the Fullerton College African American Male Education Network & Development (A2MEND), Marshall Johnson. Keynote speaker, Dr. Abdimalik Buul, Visiting Executive of Educational Excellence at the California Community College Chancellor’s office, praised the boldness, Blackness, brilliance and beauty exhibited by the graduates.
Student Speaker Tadan Smith, a student athlete and member of A2MEND and the Umoja community program, described the ceremony as a celebration for not only academic achievements, but the shared history, collective struggles and limitless potential of the graduating class. He shared lighthearted stories from his upbringing, including an unexpected experience learning to fence. Recounting a duel on a Tuesday in New York City with a more experienced opponent, he humorously recalled his mother’s encouragement: “Get ‘em, Tadan!” He credits this experience for helping him develop resiliency, which has been instrumental in navigating his education at Fullerton College.
Graduating students received a Kente stole embroidered with “Fullerton College” and “Umoja Scholar.” The Kente cloth features a distinctive design reminiscent of West Africa with the incorporation of black, red, green, blue and gold colors. In addition to the presentation of stoles, the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) awarded scholarships to six students: Heaven Agu, Marilyn Logwood, Tadan Smith, Catherine Sorenson, Chinyere Ikpoh and Valerie Burgess.
The inaugural Black celebration ceremony was organized by the Umoja community program, which is housed under the Student Development and Engagement department at Fullerton College. Mashonda Salsberry, coordinator of the Umoja community program, said the ceremony provided students the opportunity to celebrate Black achievement, success and excellence. “The Black graduation allows for recognizing the positive narratives within the Black community, while also enhancing a sense of belonging and cultural pride,” Salsberry said.
The program provides academic support and services aimed at increasing academic achievements, graduation rates and transfer success of Black/African, Black/African American and Black/African Diasporic students, including those designated as Umoja Scholars.
For more information, visit the Umoja community program’s website.
