The Kente cloth, which resembles a stole and is worn with the academic regalia, is a symbol of accomplishment that has its roots in a long tradition of weaving in West African countries. Marshall instituted this African ceremony with a tradition of presenting hand-woven Kente cloths to graduating students over 15 years ago, according to Maurice Cooley, associate vice president of intercultural affairs.
“This annual event serves as a traditional rite of passage when each graduate receives his or her own hand-woven Kente cloth based on his or her degree. The Christmas Kente is always a smaller ceremony than our spring ceremony, which allows family and close friends to present the cloth to their graduate,” Cooley said. “This truly defines and captures one of the most significant moments of their lives when our advancing students are recognized for their extraordinary achievements.”
Cooley said he expects 35-40 students to participate in the 2016 Christmas Kente Ceremony. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. in Smith Recital Hall, located in the Smith Music Hall at Hal Greer Boulevard and 3rd Avenue in Huntington. The university will have its annual winter commencement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in downtown Huntington.
To learn more about the 2016 Christmas Kente Ceremony, contact Cooley at cooley@marshall.edu or by calling 304-696-5430.
For more information about activities sponsored by the Center for African American Students and the Office of Intercultural Affairs, visit www.marshall.edu/intercultural.
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Photo: A group of female graduates pose for a selfie outside of the 2016 Donning of the Kente spring ceremony, which was held at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.