Alverno College Celebrates Women of Color With Two Rites of Passage

November 17, 2017

As part of a tradition that goes back over 20 years, Alverno College will hold its Bestowing of the Kente ceremony on December 10 at 2:00 p.m. A new tradition, the Latinas con Fuerza ceremony, will take place the same day at 4:30 p.m.

The Bestowing of the Kente is a rite of passage recognizing African American students who are graduating. Each student chooses someone who has inspired her to present her with a Kente cloth, a colorful, hand-woven, ceremonial piece. The ceremony is a way for African American students and their families to celebrate their heritage as well as their achievement, and will include African drumming and dancing. Alverno is one of only a handful of colleges in the U.S. that recognize African American graduates with the Bestowing of the Kente

Latinas con Fuerza is a new tradition that honors Latina graduates. This rite of passage highlights the achievements of our Latina students, and will connect current graduates with Latina alumnae in order to strengthen their network. Students will be presented with a sarape, a colorful stole, and the event will include traditional Aztec dancers. This is the second time Alverno is holding this ceremony, and it's the only one of its kind in southeastern Wisconsin.

A reception will follow each of the ceremonies, and the public is invited to attend.