W&M Featured Events
[PAST EVENT] Donning of the Kente Virtual Celebration
Location
VirtualAccess & Features
- Open to the public
- Registration/RSVP
For the Zoom link to take part in the ceremony, email Sarah Thomas at [[setho2]].
In 2012, William & Mary added a new tradition, Donning of the Kente, to Commencement Weekend. By instituting this rite of passage ceremony, W&M joined the ranks of other universities across the country in celebrating excellence, both personal and academic, for students of color.
Many students have remarked that one of the aspects of the ceremony that made it very special was the opportunity to choose their donner. This feature of the ceremony gave them the chance to not only celebrate their accomplishments but also to recognize someone special in their lives. As a result, parents, siblings, friends, faculty, and administrators have served in this very special role.
We want our graduates (undergraduates, graduate, and professional) to know that their relationship with the university does not end at graduation. A new chapter begins when you become an alumnus. We want to continue to share in your development and growth as an active and engaged alumnus. The Donning of the Kente ceremony is the first step in this relationship.
As with many other William & Mary Commencement traditions, the Donning of the Kente will look different this year, but we hope that the same joy and excitement that has marked this celebration in the past will be present.
Graduating Classes: 2020 and 2021
Class of 2021: Register to participate in this ceremony and receive a FREE Kente stole.
Class of 2020: Graduates who registered for DOK last year are welcome to participate in the May 20, 2021 ceremony. Fill out this form to receive a 2020 stole in the mail.
This event is sponsored by The Lemon Project: A Journey of Reconciliation and the Hulon Willis Alumni Association.
Contact
Sarah Thomas, [[setho2]]