|
May 24, 2002--The Center for Black Culture is hosting its annual Kente Stole Ceremony on May 24, at which graduating African-American students are presented with the kente stole, a ceremonial garment.
This tradition was begun at UD in 1997 by the Black Student Union (BSU), which is the sponsor of the event. Each student decides who will present his or her stole, but it is most common for parents to assume this role.
According to Kassandra Moye, director of multicultural programs and the Center for Black Culture, kente is a type of African cloth that includes the colors of Africa--red, black and green. The stoles, which are worn as an acknowledgement of one’s African ancestry, symbolize accomplishment, community, unity and pride.
This year’s ceremony will feature a reception for students, family and friends, as well as remarks by Rhonda Leigh Allen, a UD alumna who received her bachelor’s degree in human resources in 1996 and her master’s degree in urban affairs in 1998.
She is married to Antoine J. Allen, a UD alumnus who received his bachelor’s degree in 1993 and his doctorate in urban affairs in 2001. He also received UD’s Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement in 2001 and is president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.
Article by Ed Okonowicz
Photo by Jon Cox
|
