Smiles. Tears. Hugs. Laughter. For graduates in the Class of 2026 who recognize African cultures and histories, an annual program on the eve of Commencement was marked by powerful expressions of community, love and family.
A Donning of the Kente Ceremony at Elon University celebrated the African heritage, achievements and resilience of Black graduates in the university’s Class of 2026 during an evening filled with expressions of cultural tradition, reflection and joy.
Held on the eve of Commencement ceremonies, the annual event honored graduating students with handmade Kente stoles woven in Ghana, a symbol of heritage, wisdom and shared responsibility to be worn at graduation.
Family members and the wider university community gathered inside Alumni Gym on May 21, 2026, to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and the communities that supported them throughout their college journeys.
“Tonight, we do more than congratulate our graduates,” said Randy Williams, vice president for inclusive excellence and associate professor of education. “Tonight, we bear witness to them. Tonight, we affirm them.”
The 10th annual ceremony highlighted the importance mentorship in the graduates’ success. In his remarks to graduates, Williams recognized the “village” of parents, grandparents, mentors, faculty and staff, and friends who supported the graduates throughout their university studies.
Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network, encouraged graduates to remain engaged with the university and support future generations of students.
“As you look ahead, carry this charge: build community, mentor intentionally and stay engaged. Elon’s strength is its people showing up for one another, again and again,” he said. “Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.
“The next generation’s experience will be shaped by what you choose to do from this point forward.”
Engagement is not symbolic. It is active. It looks like mentoring a student, returning to campus, opening doors, and investing your time, talent, and resources.
Alex Bohannon ’17, president of the Elon Black Alumni Network
Bohannon also highlighted the role of the Elon Black Alumni Network in mentoring students and supporting initiatives such as the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. He noted that the ceremony’s continued growth reflects a vision established a decade ago and sustained through alumni engagement and philanthropy.
During the donning ceremony, each graduate was joined on stage by a person who played a meaningful role in their Elon experience. Supporters presented the stoles while tributes celebrating each graduate’s accomplishments and future aspirations were read aloud.
Graduates were praised for perseverance, leadership and cultural pride as families, mentors and faculty members reflected on the challenges many students overcame to earn their degrees. Presentations highlighted stories of first-generation college graduates, international students, and campus leaders who balanced academics with research, athletics and service while supporting others along the way.
Another popular feature of the evening program: A rhythmic dance of celebration performed by The Pointe! Dance & Technique Conservatory served to open and conclude the ceremony.
Elon University’s event is made possible by the Kelli E. Palmer ’98 Donning of the Kente Endowment. Funding from the endowment supports the program, including the purchase of the kente stoles.
In her own remarks to graduates, La’ Tonya Wiley ’97, Elon University’s assistant director of affinity alumni engagement, described the evening as a way to not only honor accomplishments, but to honor who celebrants have become.
“You are scholars, changemakers, leaders and living examples for those who will follow behind you,” she said. “May you always remember that your excellence is not defined solely by titles or degrees, but by how you uplift others, how you remain rooted in purpose and how you continue building community wherever your path leads.”
