Once tassels have been turned from the right to the left, the caps tossed into the air, and the valedictorian has delivered their most moving, standing ovation-worthy speech, you know graduation is over – and a new chapter awaits.
This is the time of the year hallmarked by celebrating our loved ones for their academic achievements before they move on to their next big accomplishments.
Many graduates are looking to explore further collegiate routes, including graduate school or a new career. It is magical to watch our community celebrate.
For those graduates who have found collegiate homes in a Historically Black College and/or University, graduation season can mean more than a “goodbye;” it welcomes them into a vibrant and enriching alumni community.
In today’s very political and sometimes discouraging environment, it’s essential to see positive examples of successful Black graduates making large strides in their post-graduate careers.
As our Black graduates process this season with honor cords brightly displayed and their heads held high, let us not forget to support them in their endeavors after receiving their formal education.
Whether it be a quick stroll to commemorate a graduate joining a National Pan-Hellenic sorority or fraternity during their time on campus, noting the carefully- practiced steps across the stage sure to make the audience smile, or simply hearing the graduates’ families cheering them on, almost nothing beats the feeling of watching our graduates wrapping their hands around their diplomas.
The importance of HBCU Black graduation season is in the fact that soon-to-be Black professionals are crossing the stage of institutions where the professors, deans, presidents, and successful alumni, etc., look exactly like the students.
The older faces of alumni serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is still an American Dream for our young Black people to strive for in this country.
It is not a secret that the statistics of Black and brown students graduating from high school, let alone attending institutions of higher education, are considerably lower compared to their white counterparts.
According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) only 57% of Black students have the access necessary to math and science courses that are mandatory for college readiness, while 71% of white students have access to these courses.
The UNCF also wrote that 45.9% of Black students take six years to complete their studies at four-year institutions. Black men are staggering with just 40% completing their collegiate studies.
These burdens stem from the fact that college is becoming increasingly unaffordable, especially for those from low-income backgrounds. Somehow, students have to balance school, part-time jobs, internships, sports, and even the possibility of crossing into one of the highly esteemed and selective Divine 9 sororities or fraternities.
But, thankfully, HBCUs have lessened this financial burden.
Students have reported that attending HBCUs has long helped ease the burden of financials as it pertains to institutions. Despite HBCUs only making up 3% of the United States institutions, they are responsible for producing 20% of the nation’s graduates.
They utilized their resources, they talked to professionals, they networked, and they showed up not only for themselves but for the people who were behind them, cheering them on every step of the way. We all know that no matter where their degree of choice takes them, they are going to be successful. And, sure, there may be failures, but there will be someone to catch them when they fall.
So, to see these young Black men and women cross the stage with bright smiles, and in the spectacular clothing, is a testament to not only them but also how the Black community will find joy even when everything else is trying to bring them to tears.
This story originally appeared here.