Rites of Passage Ceremony for Black Student Unions to be Held Sunday, May 13

More than 50 students are expected to participate in the annual ceremony held at Expo New Mexico.

When	May 13, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where	the Sheryl Williams Stapleton African American Performing Arts Center at Expo NM
Contact Name	Jocelyn Pegues Jackson
Contact Phone	505-881-9429x7
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The Black Student Unions' Rites of Passage Ceremony is an annual event for all graduating seniors in an active Black Student Union who meet specific criteria.

This ceremony has been in existence for the past six years and encourages graduating seniors to continue their quest for higher education and to appreciate their on self-worth. This year, 51 students are expected to participate in the ceremony that will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, at the Sheryl Williams Stapleton African American Performing Arts Center at NM Expo (map).

Each graduating senior who participates in the Rites of Passage Ceremony will receive a Kente cloth. The word Kente means “that which will not tear under any condition.”  Each pattern is different and special. Kings in Africa created their own patterns of Kente cloth. The colors on the Kente have meaning. Gold means wealth and good luck; red stands for beauty and life.

The cloth is a form of non-verbal communication that expresses pride and identity. The symbols on the Kente Cloth come from the Ashanti Tribe and are a symbolic link to roots and expression of pride in their heritage. Kentes have never been mass-produced.

The Kente includes all the elements of culture and are a celebration of life. They are worn during important events of festive and academic achievements. The symbol on the Kente that the BSU students are receiving this year say, in the Swahilli language, “Nea onnim no sua a, ohu,” which means knowledge, lifelong education and the continued quest for knowledge.