The annual ceremony highlights the accomplishments of graduating Elon students who recognize their African roots.
Donning of the Kente is more than a tradition. It is a declaration.
“A declaration that your presence at Elon mattered, that your voice, your contributions, your journey have shaped this university in ways that will inspire those who follow in your footsteps,” said Alexandre Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network.
Bohannon addressed the family, friends, faculty and staff gathered in Alumni Gym Thursday night for the ninth-annual Donning of the Kente ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating Elon students who recognize their African roots.
“The Donning of the Kente Ceremony is a moment of deep significance; one that reflects strength, resilience and excellence,” Bohannon said.
In his welcome, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams opened with a poem written by the Rev. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, a Baptist minister, former Morehouse College president and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., which emphasized the importance of the 60 seconds that each of the 59 graduates spent on the stage.
“This is a moment that reverberates across generations. A minute where our graduates step further into their purpose with the full force of history behind them, and a boundless future ahead of them,” Williams said.
It was during those 60 seconds that the graduates were each donned by a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, mentor or friend with a handmade kente stole, woven in the village of Bonwire, Ghana.
“The kente is not mere fabric; it is a testimony. Its vibrant threads tell stories of resistance, sovereignty, wisdom and an unbroken lineage connecting us to our ancestors’ unfadeable presence,” Williams said.
As each of the students stepped on stage, their photos and achievements at Elon were displayed on the two large screens behind them. At the podium, faculty members read reflections written by the person who impacted their journey and stood before them on this night.
“Your light, honesty, and vibrant energy have made a lasting impact,” wrote Sandra Reid ’85, a senior lecturer in Human Service Studies, about Ariana Galloway ’25 who stood facing the audience with a broad smile across her face.
“You spoke in class with courage when others stayed silent. I know you’re still finding your path, and the beauty of this moment is not in having it all figured out but in recognizing that you are more than capable of figuring it out as you go. The Donning of the Kente honors all you are and all you’re becoming. Be proud. You’ve earned this. I’m betting on you, and I wish you all the best.”
Reid gently placed the kente cloth stole on Galloway’s shoulders. Galloway and the other students honored at the event will wear the colorful stoles over their maroon gowns Friday at the 135th Commencement Ceremony in the Schar Center.
Brothers and soon-to-be fellow alumni Gavin Green ’23 and Ethan Green ’25 took the stage together. “You had some challenges at first as all of us do, however, you have gone on to finish in four years with a better GPA than me and a job lined up,” Gavin Green’s words made his younger brother laugh. “I am proud to call you my brother. I know you will go on to accomplish great things, bro, keep up the good work!”
Before the students’ names were called, an alumna who walked in their shoes at Elon almost 30 years ago was recognized for her contributions to the university with the establishment of the Kelli E. Palmer Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment will support the event, including the purchase of the kente stoles, for years to come.
We celebrate the family, of origin and choice, that have, and continue to, pour into us. And we celebrate you, the graduates, who did the work, who chose to invest in your mind because as my grandmother said, ‘It is the only thing they can’t take from us.’ You are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and a sight to behold!
– Kelli Palmer ’98
Palmer, a 1998 alumna and member of the university’s Board of Trustees, exemplifies alumni leadership through her unwavering commitment to Elon and its students. She delivered the keynote address.
“Black Americans have a long history of celebrating today, for tomorrow is not promised,” Palmer said. “Somehow, we carry reality in one hand and hope in the other, while being the embodiment of purpose.”
A graduate of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education with a degree in elementary education, Palmer later earned graduate degrees from Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia. Today, she leads employee experience at WillowTree, where she champions diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact.
She spoke about a time when the Black community was denied legal rights in this country but still worked together toward desegregation, integration and inclusion.
“It is fitting that we are now here, on this day, in this space, on the campus of Elon University, together as a community to celebrate your achievement,” she said.
“We celebrate the family, of origin and choice, that have, and continue to, pour into us. And we celebrate you, the graduates, who did the work, who chose to invest in your mind because as my grandmother said, ‘It is the only thing they can’t take from us.’ You are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and a sight to behold!”
A rhythmic dance of celebration choreographed by Assistant Professor of Dance Keshia Gee and performed by The Pointe! Dance & Technique Conservatory, set the tone for the evening.
“This ceremony stands as a testament to the strength, pride and excellence of our graduates and the community that surrounds them,” Bohannon said. “As we look to the future, let this be our collective charge: To continue building spaces where all students are celebrated, where every story is honored, and where the legacy of inclusion grows stronger with every graduating class.”