May 11, 2022 - The first Cultural Achievement Ceremony at Virginia Tech, the Donning of the Kente began in 2013 as a celebration of African American heritage. It has continued to grow, with 250 students in attendance in 2019. The ceremony outside of Tech has a rich history, with the American tradition dating back to the 20th century, and the Kente cloth dating back centuries. At the ceremony, students adorn the Ghanaian Kente cloth graduation robe and gather with family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Graduates will also receive stoles, which can be worn at the University’s commencement ceremony.

This is not a complete sample of photo/media. RAW collections are available on request to the appropriate parties. Media on this page are provided as-is. For more information or accommodations, or to learn more, contact the Contact Us.

Contact: