LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

UMOJA 2015 THEME

SANKOFA: REACHING AS WE CLIMB

Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana.  The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”  

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FLOURICE W. RICHARDSON
DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH STUDIES

UMOJA 2015 Program
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CULTURAL RELEVENCE

Continuing our legacy of excellence, the tentative theme this year is Sankofa: Reaching as WE Climb. Sankofa is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana.  The literal translation of the word and the symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”  The sankofa symbolizes the Akan people’s quest for knowledge among the Akan with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation.

This event is an acknowledgement of our cultural and history heritage and a celebration of that which is and that which is to come. The purpose is to re-vitalize and re-affirm graduates, current students and future students of a lineage of academic achievement and social transformation.

COMMISSIONED ARTWORK
VENISE KEYS

“Lifting as WE Climb” by Venise Keys, is a depiction of the hands of our ancestors lifting and guiding students.

MEDIA COVERAGE

"Umoja, Lavender Graduation celebrate achievements"
UMOJA: BLACK GRADUATION CELEBRATION paved the way for other cultural celebrations.