Black Graduation Celebration 2021
On June 19, Concordia University, the Black Perspectives Office, and the Black Alumni Network hosted its first celebration of Black graduates!
Over the last year our Concordia Black community has had the opportunity to unite and strengthen in meaningful ways that reflect the leadership, dedication and excellence that our Black students have been advancing for many generations. This first Black graduation celebration was a special moment for us to continue to foster this growing sense of community as Black Concordians and an overdue opportunity for us to honour the many generations of Black Concordia graduates.
MEET SOME OF OUR 2021 GRADUATES
THE FIRST COHORT OF OUR BLACK GRADUATION CELEBRATION!
Neil Aubry Njanfa
Cameroon
Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
Ferley Chery
Haiti
BEng, Major in Mechanical Engineering
Today is just the beginning!
Kyara Larissah Denis
Haiti
BComm, Major in Human Resource Management
I thank God, my family, friends, mentors and professor for the support, encouragement, love and laughter that helped me through this ride. Special shout out to my dad, I hope I made you proud🕊. Farewell Concordia and Congrats to the class of 2021 #Wedidit
Marina Deumeni
Cameroon
BComm, Major in Finance, Minor in Management
You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through. — Rosalynn Smith Carter
Charles Layne
BComm, Major in Accountancy
A big thanks to my parents Larry and Harbans for putting me through school and raising me to work hard without cutting corners.
Rich Jones
Halifax, Nova Scotia + Continent of Africa
BA, Major in Political Science
The ultimate sacrifices of our ancestors shall never be forgotten. We are only here because of them+therefore we must always pay tribute to the African diaspora aka The Motherland. Let’s choose to live our best lives+create opportunities for the next generations to come. Sylvia: This accomplishment is dedicated+belongs to you. You deserve this+more :) A few shoutouts: Ethel + Leroy + Millie + Benny + Juanita + Leonard +: Your blessings made this possible. Jones’+Browns: Thank you. Bucci+Umana: Y’all spirits live inside me, forever. Mark: Our lives are symmetrical+my love for you is infinite, my brother. There’s so much I wanna say+not enough words to say it. Simply put, to all our graduates and all our beautiful black people everywhere: You are more than enough. You are already worth it. You are Black Excellence. Always+Forever. Please never forget that. Peace+Love, Rich Jones Heart.Honor.Respect #HiiiPoWeR ✊🏾🙏🏾💪🏾👏🏾🤞🏾😉
Quentin VerCetty Lindsay
Jamaica | Hometown: the 6ix aka Toronto
Master of Arts in Art Education
I didn't just get my Master's degree I've become a Mansa on every degree of my destiny.
* Inspiration behind my picture is my great grandfather had Gold teeth and taught himself how to read and write and so being the first in my family to achieve this feat I wanted to pay homage to my ancestral struggle in their pursuit of higher learning and creating more opportunities for their descendants.
Adewunmi Blessing Ajike
Nigeria
BA, Honours Economics, Minor Business Studies, Minor French Studies
Colossians 3:23; Proverbs 22:29
Lisa Mayes
African American & Muscogee Creek
BFA, Major in Studio Art, Minor in Art Education
"Thank you Django, Lulu, and Thelo for your love, support, encouragement and inspiration. I also give thanks to my ancestors who made this moment possible."
Omotayo Oyengunle
Nigeria
Graduate Diploma in Buisness Administration
“I have never met an African woman like you. So strong, beautiful, and smart, you are a good ambassador of your country, and I am happy I met you”. These were the words of a classmate. I never let my race or gender get in the wheel of my success. My dreams and ambitions are valid, so are yours!
Beatriz Caleia Sobral Hoffmann-Kuhnt
Angola and Portugal
Master of Arts in Educational Studies
I’d like to Thank my Family - Stefan, Patrick and Kiara - for your Love, and Concordia friends and Professors for the support, encouragement and the wonderful memories we've shared. Congratulations Class of 2021! A new journey begins.
Ashley Raghubir
Trinidadian Canadian
Master of Arts in Art History
Siarra Burke-Smith
Toronto🇨🇦 Antigua🇦🇬 Grenada🇬🇩
BFA, Specialization in Acting for the Theatre
On the other side of our comfort zone is a field full of opportunities, innovation, and achievements waiting to be discovered. Preparation is key to this success. Dare yourself to take the first step. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this journey. -Siarra Burke-Smith
Kadisha Craigwell
Jamaica and Barbados
BA, Major in Political Science
If you believe, you can achieve! Congratulations to the entire Class of 2021. “The Marathon Continues”
Kessie Theliar-Charles
Haiti
BFA, Major in Art History
Dekolonize tèt ou
Aurelie Marie Kindra Belm
Burkina Faso
BSc, Major in Biochemistry
Thanks to all the people that accompanied me and helped me throughout this journey.
Isaiah Joyner
Barbados
BComm, Major in Finance
Recipient of the BPO Award of Excellence in Leadership
Every end is a beginning, & every beginning is an end. Over the course of my journey, I have made more than one friend. I look toward my future, & I will not stop grinning. The reason being that this end is truly a beginning. Thank you to my Mom & everyone who has supported me on this amazing Journey through Concordia!
Debra Irabor
Nigeria
BA, Major in Political Science, Minor in Law & Society
From the ups and downs, sleepless nights, and COVID 19, I am honored to say I made it. This couldn’t have been possible if not for the help of my family. My family has remained my most prominent supporters uplifting me when I doubted myself. My mother always told me “it's not the number of times you fall but your ability to get up, learn and keep pushing that matters.” This phrase has encouraged me to maneuver throughout this journey. “Naija no dey carry last". I came, I saw, I conquered. Cheers to moi. This is just the beginning x
Doris Nyilidandi
Rwanda
BA, Major in Political Science
Elya Myers
Jamaican-Canadian
BFA, Specialization in Film Studies
"As I am. As I am. All or not at all" - James Joyce, Ulysses
Diana White
BComm, Major in Accountacy
