Black Grad

Black Commencement 2024

The 49th annual Black Grad Commencement Ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at 3 PM in the Quarry Amphitheater. Friends and family are welcome at this event! All graduates must register for Black Grad no later than May 6th in order to participate in the ceremony and receive a Kente Stole. 

Black Grad 2024 Registration Link

* Please note that the 2024 informational session will be held
March 26, 2024.
Below you can find the 2023 info session video which can still answer many basic questions*

2023 Information Session

The History of Black Grad

For decades, the African American Resource and Cultural Center has been hosting the annual Black Grad ceremony. Each year we come together to celebrate and honor our graduating ABC seniors on their amazing accomplishments. 

Black Grad is the AARCC's largest event of the year drawing in more than 800 students and their loved ones. During the ceremony there are lively performances, powerful keynote speakers, and the graduates are given a chance to say a few words upon receiving their Kente stole. 

The Kente cloth is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture and has become a symbol of pride for descendants of the African Diaspora. The donning of these stoles continue to acknowledge the amazing accomplishments and achievements made possible through their hard work, as well as the love, support, and contributions given to them by their family and ancestors. For questions, please email AARCC's Director, autumn@ucsc.edu.