Long Beach City College 2023 Graduate Adronni Willis took the breath of everyone in the room with her solo dance at the African American cultural graduation ceremony.
Honoring over 50 Black graduates, the ceremony happened on May 20 at the LAC Nordic lounge, between two other cultural celebrations.
Graduate Isaiah Hester shared his accomplishment with a smile as he received his associate degree for transfer in film studies and is set to transfer to California State University of Dominguez Hills.
Softball player Marcellus Henry was excited and relieved to have successfully played at LBCC. Henry plans to complete an associates degree to transfer with a sports scholarship and move to a four year, to a school in which he is currently undecided.
Amber Mayfield, a nursing student graduate, had her young son cheer her on as she walked across the stage. Her next educational step is at Charles Drew school of medicine.
“I am happy and proud to be finished,” said Mayfield.
Superintendent-President Mike Munoz took the stage to congratulate the students and to remind them that their success is only the beginning, and that attending community college will serve many benefits in their future.
“It takes a village to make a movement change,” said Munoz. “As the world outside is not all welcoming we need to do better.”
In communities with many social, economic and educational barriers the opportunity to reach for higher levels of education is not easy.
“Studies have shown that people with degrees live longer, are five times more likely to get a job, and obtain more benefits from their employers.” said Munoz
“It is also recognized that students who obtain their AA degrees in community college are six times more likely to receive a bachelor’s degree.”
The opening ceremony was presented by assistant professor of political science and ethnic studies department chair Jerome Hunt who is also student equity coordinator on campus.
Hunt specializes in American government and political behavior of Black Americans as well as LGBTQ+ politics.
After his introduction, he announced the start of the black national anthem titled “Lift Every Voice & Sing” sung by student graduate Soraya Leonard.
Dr. Alisia Kirkwood, dean of student affairs since 2018, led the crowd in a harmonic chant only containing the word “Ase” which is pronounced “as-hay.”
She explained it was to water the ancestral roots, a reminder to the community of their past loved ones, and a peaceful way to protest resistance and solidarity.
“Ase” is a phrase used to honor one’s ancestors. As she asked everyone in the room to remind themselves of loved ones they have lost, and community members that have lived unlawfully or been targeted by the system such as George Floyd.
She asked the audience to call out the names of their lost loved ones, followed by a moment of silence, as a form of remembrance.
To lift the mood in the room, a performance from the LBCC dance department and some graduates performed a piece called “Move and Radiate.”