On May 12 at 11 a.m., Drury seniors will don caps and gowns to mark the day they have been waiting for: graduation. For the first time in Drury’s history, some students will receive their diploma while wearing colorful stoles made with kente cloth.

Getting kente stoles

When Abigail Akinyemi transferred to Drury, she wondered why Drury students did not have the option to wear kente stoles at graduation like the students at her previous school.

“When I restarted BUIC in 2017, I was like this is something that I want to happen at my graduation,” said Akinyemi.

BUIC stands for Black United Independent Collegiate, which is an organization that supports and empowers students of color.

Akinyemi, who is the president of BUIC, sat down with vice president Keisha McMillen and secretary Kayla Crockett to create a document for Drury’s administration that explained the significance of wearing kente stoles.

What is kente cloth?

Kente is a type of cloth that originates from the Ashanti tribe of Ghana and dates back as far as 1000 B.C. According to Akinyemi, the cloth was given to people when they made a significant achievement and was originally reserved as attire for royalty.

Each color on the cloth has a different meaning. Green represents renewal, and red represents passion. The color gold symbolizes serenity and status, while the color black represents spiritual awareness and a connection to one’s ancestors.

“Around the early 90s, some African Americans heard about this cloth, and they thought it would be good to put it in the graduation ceremony because of all the struggles African Americans have had to face in getting higher education. They use the cloth as a way to, when you see it, remember all the struggles that you went through to get to your graduation date,” said Akinyemi.

These stoles represent the accomplishment that students have made in earning their degrees.

Donning of the kente

Before graduation, those planning to wear kente stoles can attend a ceremony with their families on campus. During the ceremony, students will be recognized for their achievements. In the tradition of the Ashanti tribe, the family members of the students will place the kente stoles around the students’ shoulders.

“At that time, family members can say something about you, and we’ll have them all don the kente on the person,” she said.

Akinyemi stated that any Drury student may purchase a kente stole and attend the ceremony.

“It’s for anyone who has been through anything in college and wants to celebrate and have that as a part of their graduation process,” she said.

The ceremony gives families a time to celebrate together before students walk onto the stage at commencement.

“The current set up of graduation is us focused, us meaning specifically students, and it should be; but for some people going to college, they might be the first and their family helped them out. Maybe your family couldn’t help you out, so it’s even more important because you were able to do it on your own. Your family is recognizing that they couldn’t help you, but they’re really proud of you,” said Akinyemi.

“[The ceremony] makes it so that everybody can celebrate. Everyone can be a part of the celebration instead of just seeing you on the stage.”

If you are interested in wearing a kente stole at graduation, they are $20.99. You can contact Abigail Akinyemi at aakinyemi@drury.edu to purchase a stole. Follow BUIC on Facebook for details about the ceremony prior to graduation.

Article written by Taylor Stanton.