Black Graduations Rise Amid DEI Cuts

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Across the nation, a powerful movement is growing. Black students at U.S. universities are creating their own graduation ceremonies. This trend comes as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face threats and cutbacks. These independent events are more than just parties; they are bold statements of achievement and cultural pride. They provide spaces where Black excellence can be celebrated fully and authentically, especially when traditional support systems seem to be fading. Consequently, these celebrations are becoming vital for our communities.

DEI Programs Under Pressure

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI, programs are designed to make sure everyone has a fair chance. They aim to create environments where all people feel welcomed and valued. DEI programs try to recognize differences as strengths. They also work to provide fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals. In higher education, these initiatives are particularly important. They help build a campus culture that mirrors our diverse society, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Moreover, DEI seeks to fix long-standing unfairness, making sure opportunities are equal and diversity is celebrated (Wikipedia).

However, these essential DEI programs are facing significant challenges. “Institutional shifts,” which mean changes in university policies, funding, or main goals, are impacting DEI events. These shifts can cut resources and weaken an institution’s commitment to diversity. For instance, when funding or administrative focus changes, DEI programs may lose support (The role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education). This often means that DEI-related activities increasingly depend on outside help. Alumni and community groups are stepping up to provide the necessary funding. Offices of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), which usually lead these efforts, are also affected. These offices are vital for putting diversity policies into action and supporting underrepresented groups. Therefore, any reduction in their capacity is a serious concern for campus inclusivity.

Ohio State: A Story of Adaptation

Ohio State University’s “Afrikan American Farewell Ceremony” is a prime example of these changes. For decades, since the 1990s, this event has honored graduates of color. It was a cherished tradition. However, after the university shut down its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) in February 2025, uncertainty arose. Questions about funding and whether the ceremony could continue became urgent. The university began reviewing and reorganizing its diversity initiatives. This led to funding and program changes that challenged traditional DEI events like the farewell ceremony (University graduation ceremony honoring students of color reshapes itself amid DEI rollbacks). Indeed, the future looked bleak for a moment.

In response, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Sorority/Fraternity Life took action. They rebranded the event as “The Farewell Celebration.” This move aimed to ensure the ceremony’s survival. It adopted a broader, more inclusive framing. Yet, it importantly preserved the core purpose of honoring Black graduates. This adaptation shows incredible resilience. The NPHC, a group of historically Black Greek letter organizations, often leads cultural and community efforts. While specific details of NPHC’s direct role in all student-led efforts aren’t always documented, their involvement here highlights their commitment. Increasingly, the continuation of such important ceremonies relies on alumni and community support, rather than solely on university funding. This shift underscores a growing need for self-reliance within our communities to uphold these traditions. Consequently, the spirit of the original ceremony lives on through community efforts.

Black Graduations Nationwide

Ohio State isn’t alone. Universities across the country host their own Black graduation ceremonies. These events serve as alternative or additional celebrations for our students. For example, Wayne State University holds a “Black Graduation Celebration of Excellence.” This is an African-centered event that takes place before the main commencement. It honors Black graduates from undergraduate to professional programs (Wayne State University). Similarly, UC Santa Cruz recently hosted its 50th annual Black Grad Ceremony. This large event draws over 800 attendees. While open to all, it centers on celebrating Black graduates with cultural symbols like Kente stoles (UC Santa Cruz).

San Diego State University also marked its 45th Annual Black Baccalaureate Graduation Ceremony. This event aims to uplift Black graduating seniors. The 2023 ceremony saw 130 graduates participate, with the venue nearly full with family and friends (San Diego State University). It emphasizes community, legacy, and learning from the past. Many of these ceremonies share a common focus: celebrating Black excellence, heritage, and a collective sense of pride. This is especially meaningful as institutional support for DEI initiatives shrinks. Thus, these gatherings are becoming beacons of hope and affirmation.

Cultural Significance of Black Celebrations

These Black graduation ceremonies are far more than just parties. They are powerful acts of cultural preservation and resistance. A key element in many of these celebrations is the donning of Kente stoles. These traditional African textiles, originating from Ghana, are rich with meaning. Wearing Kente stoles symbolically connects graduates to African culture. It celebrates their achievements within the context of an ancestral legacy. This cultural regalia is vital because it offers a visible link to heritage and community. Participants often see it as crucial for expressing their identity. Indeed, it’s a proud display of where we come from.

The ceremonies also highlight important African philosophical concepts. Themes like Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” are often emphasized. Ubuntu stresses interconnectedness and that individual identity is deeply tied to the community’s well-being. Another concept, Sankofa, a Ghanaian term meaning “learning from the past, living for the future,” is also central (San Diego State University). Sankofa encourages linking graduates’ successes with a collective historical and cultural story. These African-centered events provide dedicated spaces. Here, Black students receive recognition that might be overlooked as institutions move away from specific DEI programming. Consequently, they affirm identity and shared history.

Community Support and DEI Rollbacks

The strength of these independent graduations comes from community engagement. At UC Santa Cruz, the Black Grad ceremony regularly sees over 800 attendees each year (UC Santa Cruz). San Diego State University’s 2023 Black Baccalaureate involved 130 graduating students (San Diego State University). These numbers show how much these events mean to students and their families. Often, students need to register in advance to participate. This helps with planning and ensures they receive cultural items like Kente stoles. Furthermore, funding for these ceremonies is increasingly coming from student-led efforts and alumni support. This grassroots funding is crucial as university financial backing for such specific DEI events becomes less certain.

But why are DEI programs facing these rollbacks? Various factors are at play, including political pressures and changing administrative priorities. Some state-level policies, like bans on affirmative action, also contribute to these shifts. These pressures can lead to cuts in DEI programs by limiting money or imposing new rules. While specific reasons for each cut vary, political and administrative pressures are common themes. Often, these rollbacks stem from ideological disagreements or policy changes that value other institutional goals over DEI. Consequently, our communities are adapting to ensure these vital celebrations of Black achievement continue, regardless of institutional funding shifts.

The Future of Black Celebrations

As these independent, student- and community-led Black graduation ceremonies become more common, it raises questions about the future. What happens to broader DEI initiatives if these alternative events become the primary way Black students celebrate? It’s possible that if our communities successfully sustain these events, universities might feel less pressure to fund or support them directly. This could lead to further changes in university policies and priorities. Perhaps it might even affect the overall sustainability of comprehensive DEI programs within institutions. Therefore, a delicate balance must be found.

On one hand, these independent ceremonies are powerful displays of self-determination and cultural pride. They ensure that Black students’ achievements are recognized in culturally meaningful ways. They foster a strong sense of belonging and identity. On the other hand, the responsibility for DEI should ideally remain with the institutions themselves. If alternative events shift focus too much, it could lead to a more scattered approach to DEI. This might mean relying more on community support rather than on dedicated institutional resources. While community strength is invaluable, systemic change also requires institutional commitment. Ultimately, the goal is to have both: strong community celebrations and robust, institutionally backed DEI efforts that create truly inclusive environments for all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.