Nearly 100 graduating African-American students were honored for their accomplishments during the 26th annual Black Graduation celebration held by the Cal State San Bernardino Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association at Coussoulis Arena on June 8.
 
The ceremony is a cultural recognition for graduating black students. About 2,000 family, friends and supporters were at the arena to celebrate with the students.
 
Kathyrn Ervin, a professor of theatre arts, served as the event’s master of ceremonies, with Douglas Freer, the university’s vice president for Administration and Finance, giving the keynote address.
 
The celebration’s theme, “The Marathon Continues,” was to honor slain rapper Nipsey Hussle and his work for black empowerment and black entrepreneurship, and his service to his community.
 
The celebration also marked the launch of a new scholarship, “Black Mothers from Margin to Center” to honor single black mothers. Receiving the initial scholarships were:

  • $1,000 to Kiara Laster, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology;
  • $500 to Dyniss Johnson, who graduated with master’s degrees in rehabilitative counseling, and career and technical education; and
  • $500 to Chelsie Reliford, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.

 
The participating graduates, wearing cap and gowns, were each presented with a Kente sash during the ceremony as well as a certificate of recognition, a T-shirt, and certificates of honor from local elected officials.
 
The mission of Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association is to represent the interests of black students, faculty, staff and administrators, and to support the academic mission of the university.
 
For more information, visit the BFSSA website to learn more about its membership and organizations.

CSUSB celebrates 26th annual Black Graduation celebration

About 2,000 family, friends and supporters were at the arena to celebrate with the students.

The ceremony is a cultural recognition for graduating black students.

The mission of Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association is to represent the interests of black students, faculty, staff and administrators, and to support the academic mission of the university.