51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

On June 9, 2025, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ (SFU) hosted its 4th annual Black Brilliance graduation ceremony, honouring the achievements of Black students who graduated in June 2025 and October 2024. 

Co-hosted by 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏStudent Services, the Black Caucus and SOCA (Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry), the ceremony offers a culturally safe space where each graduate celebrates alongside peers, family, and 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏcommunity members. Launched in 2022, this event is part of SFU’s ongoing commitment to advancing Black inclusion and combating anti‑Black racism, reflected in initiatives like the Black Student Centre and the university’s endorsement of the Scarborough Charter.

The evening opened with a vibrant Kpanlogo drum performance by 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏretiree Albert Smith and was grounded by a territorial acknowledgment from Jessica La Rochelle, Director, Indigenous Student Services. Speeches from faculty, staff, alumni and graduands honoured, affirmed and uplifted the experiences and achievements of Black students, acknowledging the academic, personal, and systemic challenges they had overcome. 

A highlight of the evening was the stole and gift-giving ceremony, during which each graduand was presented with a West African Kente stole, a handwoven cloth traditionally worn during significant ceremonies, rich in symbolism of strength, heritage, achievement, and resilience, along with a commemorative 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏgift in recognition of their accomplishments.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant dinner curated from a selection of exceptional Caribbean and African heritage restaurants across the Greater Vancouver area. The meal was accompanied by musical performances from violinist Lord Nation and the Rafiki Band, infusing the celebration with joy and vibrancy.   

Gratitude goes to the entire Black Brilliance Graduation Celebration organizing committee and speakers for putting together such a meaningful and well-executed event.

• Dr. Jennifer Kandjii, Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Student Services)
• Dr. Daniel Sheriff, Associate Director, Black Student Centre
• Laura Brenton,  MECS
• Ashley Schultheiss, Black Caucus
• Trixie Munyambu, Vice President, SOCA
• Ian Kalumba, External Relations Officer, SOCA
• Kerlinda Chatwin and Nandi Mlambo, student MCs
• Emmanuel Adegboyega (SFSS President 2024–25, SOCA Vice-President 2022–24, and former member of SFU’s Board)
• Lauretta Umukoro (SOCA President 2023–24) 
• Adanna Nduagu ( SOCA President 2024–25)
• Balquees Jama (SOCA President 2021–22) 
  Marie Haddad (SOCA Executive 2022–23)
• Jerome Francis (Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Enrolment, Beedie School of Business) 
• Dr. James Busumtwi‑Sam (Co-chair of the Institute of Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement