THE DONNING OF THE
KENTE CLOTH
CEREMONY
Thursday, May 18, 2017
12:30 p.m.
Merrick Lecture Hall
THE DONNING OF THE
KENTE CLOTH
CEREMONY
Thursday, May 18, 2017
12:30 p.m.
Merrick Lecture Hall
PURPOSE
The Donning of the Kente Cloth ceremony represents the diversity
within the collective unity of people of color at Goucher College. This
ceremony allows students of the African diaspora and of communities
of color to pay tribute to their own unique heritages, experiences, and
achievements. The ceremony also presents the occasion for students
to pay homage to those who have paved the way for them prior to
and during their time at Goucher.
GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2017
Jennifer Alvarado
Desirae Moten
Charity Broussard
Rachel Nichols
Sabrina Burrell
Lakeisha Parker
Brianna Butler
Alejandra Rocha
You-shun Tiffany Chao
Elijah Rodriguez
Shirley Chervil
Evelyn Salazar
Yukna Chhean
Jaida Scarborough
Celena Dyal
Shanquel Holmon
Yabsera Faris
Nandini Singh
Nashalia Ferrara
Camille Stevenson
Amber George
Yuka Sugino
Angeles Godinez-Valencia
Susan Tharp
Odessa Goudy
Mariella Villacorta
Azaria Lanig
Raekwon Walker
Brooke Merchant
Laura Williams
ORDER OF CEREMONY
PROCESSION
Menes Yahudah
Director, Urban Foli
WELCOME
INVOCATION
STUDENT TRIBUTES
Class of 2017
STATEMENT OF UNITY AND REMEMBRANCE
LIGHTING CEREMONY
RECESSIONAL
Menes Yahudah
A reception will immediately follow in the Rosenberg Gallery.
As our community continues to grow, in both
numbers of participants and their experiences,
so does our tradition of the Donning of the
Kente Cloth Ceremony. This is the first year
in which our participants can select between 3
different stole styles: the Kente, Serape, and
country flag. Our intention is to both honor
the integrity of the Kente, and to affirm other
traditions within our communities of color.
THE KENTE STOLE
The Kente cloth originates from Ghana, West Africa. Each Kente stole is
woven in a specific pattern, often reflecting a proverb or other significant
meaning, and each color and symbol carries importance. The Kente stole
contains the following colors: blue, yellow, green, and red, and the adinkra
symbol of the stool.
> Blue represents peace, togetherness, love, and community.
> Yellow represents the “yolk of the egg,” a symbol for all things holy and
precious.
> Green represents growth, harvest, renewal, and good health.
> Red represents strong political/spiritual feelings and passing rites.
> The stool symbol is very important in Ghanaian culture, representing
absolute power and serving as a reminder of ancestors’ spirits.
THE SERAPE STOLE
The Mexican serape was actually used in refugee camps to keep people warm and
for clothing, as a shroud for loved ones killed in battle, and for the Revolutionary’s
flag. The word “serapes” refers to the traditional striped weave that makes up the
Mexican blanket design of today. Serapes can be traced back to the Chichimecs
people in the area of Coahuila, which is in Northeastern Mexico. The Mexican
serape blanket is often noted for its striped or banded colorful design. The largest
stripe is always the primary color and repeated throughout the weave, along with
complementary colors. The serapes usually consist of a darker base or solid color
with stripes of bright yellow, orange, red, blue, green, purple, or other vibrant colors.
The ends of the textile products are usually fringed, which adds to its charm.
THE COUNTRY FLAG(S) STOLE
Nationality is defined as:
1. The status of belonging to a particular nation
2. An ethnic group (s) forming a part of one or more political nations
A person’s nationality and associations are essential aspects of their identity
and culture. Therefore, each flag stole is an acknowledgement and affirmation
of a history, a culture, and a connection to a place and a people.
SPECIAL THANKS
Program Guests and Presenters
Bon Appétit
Center for Race, Equity, and Identity
Events, Conferences, and Summer Programs Department
Facilities Management Services
Menes Yahudah
Office of Communications
Office of the Dean of Students
Ally Glass, Assistant to the Vice President and
Dean of Students