Coker Black Alumni Network Presents “Sankofa Donning of The Kente Ceremony”

On Friday, February 17, 2023, Coker University’s Black Alumni Network (CBAN) presented Kente stoles to graduating seniors from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. This was the second annual event to celebrate the accomplishments of these students at the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center.

The ceremony utilizes the West African Kente cloth as a symbol of African American heritage bestowed upon the graduate to commemorate the significance of graduation. The Kente stole is a symbol of achievement and overcoming hardship. It pays homage to the ancestors sacrifices, reunites African Americans with Africa, and asserts their hope and confidence in the future. The Kente stole is a Ghanaian handwoven textile with strips of silk and cotton. The cloth is rich in symbolism and has become a graduation tradition across the country. At Coker, this stole represents achievement and perseverance throughout their higher education career.

A warm welcome was delivered by Coker University President, Dr. Natalie Harder. Keynote Speakers were Dr. Danny Malone, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Coastal Carolina University; and Dr. Jean Swindle, Assistant Professor at East Tennessee State University, 1994 graduate of Coker University. Entertainment was provided by Randy Cahall, and Bhakti Larry Hough.

Donning of the stole was presented by Deitra Matthews CBAN Vice Chair, Coker University Class of 2000; along with John Curtiss, Tullius Pate, Barbara Carraway (Community Member), and Professor Maya Hayman (Coker University). A special thank you to the Late Rev. John Foster III for the initial vision for the Coker Black Alumni Network. Presentations by Toschia Moffett-Young CBAN Founder & President and graduate of Coker University Class of 1994. The closing was delivered by Jessica Cloud Vice-President for Institutional Advancement.

Other events presented by the Coker Black Alumni Network included a coat giveaway on Saturday at The Hartsville Boys and Girl Club, and an evening gathering of Coker Alumni and Community Leaders at The Roof Top of the Mantissa.