UC Berkeley's Black Graduation is lauded as a culturally rich event to commemorate the achievements of Black students across the campus. The event drew criticism from some who said it was discriminatory.
The graduates came from a wide range of studies and disciplines from across the campus, representing 46 departments and/or programs. They included all levels of degree achievers: from those completing their undergraduate to those receiving their master's degree to those who have earned their PhD.
The ceremony began with African drummers and dancers on stage greeting guests as they filled Zellerbach. The history of the event was highlighted with archival footage of past Black Graduations on the campus, a tradition that has dated back to the 1970’s. to bring in donations to help offset the rising cost of the event, organizers said.
Ma called it a joyous occasion and stressed it did not seek to exclude any person or group. "Instead, it seeks to create an environment where unique individual experiences and accomplishments are acknowledged and celebrated - especially among communities in our country who have been, for far too long, marginalized and excluded," the spokesperson said.
She took to the podium and looked out at the graduates and said, "I see you, and I know how good it is to be seen." This year’s theme of reclamation echoed through Zellerbach with words from UC Berkeley African American StudiesProfessor Nikki Jones from the African American Studies Department on stage with a PhD graduate during Berkeley's Black Graduation on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
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