Day two of Black Legacy Week was called “Crown Your Legacy,” where graduates got the chance to decorate and customize their caps at the Black Student Success Center on Tuesday.
The event began at the scheduled time of 12 p.m., with everything laid out for participants to utilize as soon as they came in.
The room filled out around 12:30, with a turnout of about 30, similar to the “Rest & Reclaim” event held the day before. There were plenty of returners, but many new faces.
Many participants used this event to express themselves and honor loved ones. Many caps featured cut-outs of people who are significant to the graduates, like parents and friends.
Those in attendance were provided with decorating items like paper and stickers by the BSSC, allowing participants to decorate to their heart’s desire, free of charge.
During the event, music from various students’ Spotify playlists was shared, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.
Participating in both activities was Lelia Goodwin, an upcoming LBCC graduate who says the BSSC has helped her succeed at school.
Students at the Black Student Success Center had the opportunity to decorate and customize their graduation caps during day 2 of Black Legacy Week. (Adam Reed)
“I feel as though I wouldn’t have been as far as I am without the help of the Success Center. It made me feel seen, it made me feel heard. It pushed me beyond my limits, honestly. Ms. Angela and the Center make me feel limitless,” Goodwin said.
Some graduates are well into their twenties and thirties, but due to the BSSC and through Black Legacy Week, they have found a way to eliminate the stigma about not being able to graduate. The BSSC has and continues to support anyone who comes through its doors.
Another participant of the “Crown Your Legacy” event is LBCC student Kenneth Hale, who is also going to graduate this semester and plans to attend CSULB.
Hale feels all African American students should utilize and participate in both Black Legacy Week and events that the BSSC has put on.
“It’s something you should be taking advantage of. It should be mandatory, because this is where you can be yourself. There’s people that can relate to you, a lot of color. A lot of people who look and think like you.” Hale said.
Despite the difference in age, the event was blossoming with energy as participants of all ages shared ideas and materials with laughter and smiles.
Another LBCC student, Bryan Crafton, is also on pace to graduate next month.
Crafton is on track to be the first male in his family to graduate from college, where the journey hasn’t been easy.
“At first, school wasn’t really my forte. After high school, I was more concerned about money than academics. My family was nagging, because no males have graduated college, everyone’s a dropout,” Crafton said.
With the help of the Student Success Center and Black Legacy Week, Crafton and other African American students can perform and feel their absolute best.
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