Black Grad
Celebrate the annual Black Grad Ceremony
Quarry Amphitheater
Black Grad is a cherished tradition that honors and celebrates the achievements of UCSC’s graduating African, Black, and Caribbean students. This milestone event is open to all UCSC students and their guests—registration is required to participate.
About Black Grad
For over five decades, the African American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) has proudly hosted the annual Black Grad ceremony. Each year, we come together as a community to celebrate and honor our graduating seniors and their remarkable accomplishments.
Black Grad is the AARCC’s largest event of the year, welcoming more than 800 students and their loved ones. The ceremony features lively performances, powerful keynote speakers, and a special moment for graduates to share a few words upon receiving their Kente stole.
The meaning behind the Kente stole
The Kente cloth, deeply rooted in Ghanaian tradition, has become a symbol of pride for descendants of the African Diaspora. Donning the stole honors each graduate’s hard work, resilience, and the love and support of family and ancestors who helped shape their journey.
Have questions about Black Grad?
Reach out to AARCC Director Autumn Johnson at autumn@ucsc.edu.
Black Grad is open to all UCSC students and their guests, consistent with state and federal law, the UC Nondiscrimination Statement and the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.