2023 Black Graduation Ceremony and Celebration
Date: May 4, 2023
Location: Texas Union Ballroom
Time: 12PM, Doors open at 11:00AM
About Black Graduation
Several years ago, a committee of seniors joined together to form a legacy that provides African and African American graduating seniors an opportunity to celebrate this monumental accomplishment in their lives. Black Graduation is now an annual program that gives graduates the chance to commemorate the challenges they’ve overcome and the memories they have made throughout their college years with their classmates, friends, families, professors, and other UT community members.
2023 Graduates
Hey Black graduates! The Black Graduation Planning Committee is working hard to make sure we continue the 25+ year legacy of celebrating UT’s Black Graduates. We are super excited to celebrate with you!
Black Graduation Registration
Deadline to register has been extended to April 5th!
Payments for either full participation ($40) or graduation bundle ($25) can be made until April 7th.
This year’s registration bundle includes a 2023 graduation sash, small tumbler, Black Longhorn lapel pin, commemorative booklet, and small bites for you and your guests.
Click here to register for Black Graduation
Click here to pay for Black Graduation
Click here to upload photos for Black Graduation
PHOTOS: Please save and upload your photos is a First Name_Last Name format so that we might easily match them for the slideshow.
Note: You have the option to CHOOSE whether you would like to participate in the ceremony or purchase the Graduation Bundle only. If you would like to purchase the graduation bundle only (and not participate in the ceremony), please pay here. (Graduation bundles for participants will be distributed at the ceremony).
If you are not participating in the ceremony, you will be able to pick up your graduation bundles during the week of April 24th; you will receive an email with instructions.
Senior Class Speaker
Each year, the senior class helps to nominate and select a speaker who can best contextualize their student experience on Forty Acres. In the past, students have represented various majors and organizations and have spoken about community, perseverance, legacy and connection among other topics.
We invite the Black graduating Class of 2023 to submit nominations for the speaker of their choice! The deadline for submission is March 20th at 5PM. Nominees will be reviewed by the Black Grad committee and a ballot will be sent to the class soon after; further instructions for finalists will be sent directly to them in preparation for their next steps.
Nominate the 2023 Black Grad student speaker
Give Back to Black
Please consider making a donation to Afrikan American Affairs for their various programs that benefit the Black community including New Black Student Weekend, Black Student Leadership Institute, From Us For Us Scholarship & BBQ, and Black Graduation. All proceeds will go towards programming for Black students. Please consider making recurrent or one-time gift now at our giving page. Type “Afrikan American Affairs” in the search bar and place the program that you are contributing to in the notes section.
Afrikan American Affairs is an agency within the Multicultural Engagement Center. We strive to provide support, enrichment services, and leadership development to Black students on campus, those in the greater Black community as well as anyone interested in Black culture.
Contact mcrowder@austin.utexas.edu for more information and with any questions.
FAQ’s
What time should I arrive?
Graduates should arrive at the Texas Union with their cap and gown (and other cords/sashes) by 10:00AM. Upon arrival, you will check in and take head-shot pictures; breakfast will be provided.
What should I wear?
We only require graduation regalia. However, there will be a small reception after the ceremony, and we want you to be comfortable.
How long is the ceremony?
Though we have many guests that attend and participate to celebrate with you, the ceremony typically lasts around 2-2.5 hours; the reception directly follows.
May I pick up my Kente cloth sash prior to the ceremony?
Black Graduation conducts a stolling ceremony by which an elder within the community presents you with your sash during the event. Therefore, we will not pass out the sashes prior to the ceremony. For questions about this, please contact Malik Crowder or Brandelyn Flunder.
How many guests can I bring? Where does my family sit?
In accordance with current university guidelines, there is no limit to the number of guests that you can bring. There is no priority seating, your family can sit together on a first come first served basis; seating opens at 11AM. Graduate seating will be reserved in the center.
Where do I park?
Guests are encouraged to park in the San Antonio Garage (SAG). See a map of campus parking garages for more info.
What if I need accommodations?
Please send an email to brandelyn_franks@austin.utexas.edu at least 2 weeks in advance if you/your family will need accessibility accommodations.
Contact utblackgrad@austin.utexas.edu with additional questions
