The BGSA was proud to host the 2019 Black Graduation ceremony in May, the third iteration of the BGSA's signature annual event dedicated to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating Black students. This year's celebration, recognizing the “Year of the Woman” in a tribute to the historical achievements of black women at Harvard, in Congress, and in the community, featured speeches from Congresswomen Jahana Hayes and Ayanna Pressley, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. John Wilson, and showcased incredible insights and performances from student members of our Harvard Community.

The theme for the 2019 ceremony, “Unapologetically Black & Brilliant”, celebrated the brilliance and unashamed blackness that permeates Harvard’s Black community and all over the world. We honored the accomplishments of graduating students, fellows, and faculty who identify with the African diaspora. We celebrated the common experience, paid tribute to the support from our graduating students’ families and our collective greater communities, and made a call to action in this time of public intolerance. We encourage you to take some time to watch, and we look forward to continuing the Black Graduation tradition for our graduating scholars in 2020!