​New. . . .  SANKOFA CIRCLE (ISU Alumni) Registration OPEN
Picture

​KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Renee T. Watson
Associate Dean of Students, ISU
​MAY 11, 2017 AT 7 PM
TIME: 6:30 PM - STUDENT, SANKOFA [Alumni] & HARAMBEE                                  CIRCLES LINE UP
7:00 PM - GENERAL ADMISSION
LOCATION: CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
                  351 S. School Street
                  Normal IL 61761

UMOJA: BLACK GRADUATION CELEBRATION
​From a Mighty Stock WE Come

The mission of the Umoja Steering Committee is to provide a graduation celebration that is representative of African American and African tradition, heritage, culture, and legacy. We want to encourage students to set their sights on the completion of their chosen majors, and as a recruitment tool to motivate others to pursue advanced degrees at ISU after seeing the success of their peers. 

Over the years, Black graduation recognition ceremonies have become an essential expression of a rite of passage at many colleges and universities throughout the nation and it is our hope that Umoja will serve as a tool to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility. We encourage all black and underrepresented students across the campus to participate in the event.
​PARTICIPATION IS FREE FOR ALL ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS GRADUATING IN THE FALL, SPRING OR SUMMER OF 2017. EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND.

ISU CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Picture
In 2012, the Black Graduate Students Association launched the initiative for the first cultural celebration at Illinois State University. At the time, we were asked to justify the "need" for such a cultural celebration. As an association that is committed to advocating for ALL students, we stand on our belief that Umoja: Black Graduation Celebration provides a space for community celebration and cultural awareness. Umoja has since received national attention from Buzzfeed and received recognition from as far away as Taiwan.

Because of the initiative of the Black Graduate Student Association, Illinois State University now has four cultural celebrations that celebrate the unique experiences of under-represented students.

MAP Graduation

Lavender Graduation

Nuestro Logros
Sunday, May 7th at 1:00 pm in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center
Wednesday, May 10th at 6:00 pm in the Prairie Rooms of the Bone Student Center
Sunday, May 7th at 4:00 pm in the Prairie Rooms of the Bone Student Center
Umoja 2015 image #39 on Buzzfeed
OTHER BLACK GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS IN US
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
GRADUATE STUDIES ISU
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
BLACK STUDENT UNION
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH STUDIES
WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES
​DEAN OF STUDENTS/DIVERSITY ADVOCACY
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION & FOUNDATIONS
BLACK GRADUATE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION