Every graduation is a festive occasion marking a pivotal moment of academic achievements and personal growth. From high school ceremonies to college commencements, the tradition of donning graduation gowns is universal across educational institutions in the United States.
Denoting academic achievements or participation in extracurricular activities, stoles are worn over traditional gowns during graduation ceremonies. Around five inches in width, they're draped behind the neck over the student’s gown, each side flowing down the front and near the bottom of the garment. Stoles are typically a single base color that represents the wearer’s particular academic achievement or field of study.
But how does one make this ceremony more meaningful and unique, representative of one’s personal journey and heritage? Originating from the rich tapestry of West African heritage, Kente stoles are not just a colorful accessory draped around a graduate’s neck. They are a symbol of pride, achievement, and a deep connection to one’s ancestral roots.
Kente textile is woven as single strips on a horizontal loom comprising a row of parallel threads, sometimes different colors. The manipulation of these threads by the weaver gives kente the ornate design for which it is famous. A narrow band of cloth about four inches wide is usually the product of this weaving method.
Kente is worn on special occasions in West Africa, especially Ghana and Togo. In the past, it was very expensive, and only the wealthy and those in the upper class could afford it. But more readily available imported cotton threads for weaving have made kente clothing more affordable in the past decades. Nevertheless, it is still a luxury for many in West Africa.
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Kente weavers are artists whose designs tell visual stories, depict societal values and communicate the wishes and sentiments of the wearer to the general public.
Since at least the 1970s, African American graduates -particularly university graduates- wear a kente cloth stole over their graduation robes. The kente cloth stole represents the graduates' pride in their restored Afrikan heritage, and their pride in their accomplishment of graduating. The Kente Cloth is a material produced from the Western African hemisphere, and direct ties to the stolen lineage African American had endured due to the American enslavement trade.
While the traditional gown does its job in representing academic success, it lacks the personal touch that speaks volumes about a student’s unique journey and heritage. Each Kente stole, adorned with West African-inspired designs, brings a splash of color to the graduation attire, transforming the graduation gown into a canvas that reflects the graduate’s identity and achievements. Moreover, Kente stoles offer the chance for students to reflect their individual academic achievements and personal growth.
For non-black students, wearing Kente stoles is a way to show respect and appreciation for African culture and its rich heritage, demonstrating solidarity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. In today’s multicultural world, it’s important for students from various ethnic backgrounds to appreciate and respect each other’s heritage. Moreover, the tradition of wearing Kente stoles is not limited to African-American students. It’s a tradition embraced by students of various backgrounds during graduation celebrations. In essence, Kente stoles transform a traditional graduation gown into a personalized piece of clothing that speaks of one’s journey, heritage, and future aspirations.
But its use has grown beyond graduation celebrations. For example, Kente stoles are used in Black churches by ministers, preachers and other high-ranking church officials. Fraternities, irrespective of race, use kente on various campuses.
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Traditionally, Kente stoles in the United States were one or more of the four colors that symbolize the Pan-African Movement and Black Pride consciousness - black, red, green and yellow. Black represents the people of African descent; red stands for the shared blood (kinship) of Black people and the blood that continues to be shed in the struggle for survival; green represents Africa’s fertility and abundance; and yellow refers to Africa’s wealth. As kente stole enters the mainstream, its palette has diversified beyond these historical colors. The range of motifs is as limitless as the human imagination.
Here is a table of colors and their symbolism:
| Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Holiness and preciousness |
| Pink | Calmness, sweetness, and tenderness |
| Red | Blood and strong political and spiritual feelings |
| Maroon | Earth, healing, and protection from evil |
| Blue | Holiness, peace, harmony, good fortune, and love |
| Green | Growth and good health |
| Gold | Royalty, wealth, and spiritual purity |
| White | Purity and healing |
| Black | Aging and strong spiritual energy, spirits of ancestors |
| Grey | Ashes and spiritual cleansing |
| Silver | Moon, serenity, purity and joy |
| Purple | Earth and healing |
One of the most captivating elements of a Kente stole is undoubtedly its vibrant colors and unique patterns. The Kente cloth is a product of the Ghanaian fabric weaving tradition. It represents a sophisticated form of art where individual strips of colorful fabric are woven together to create unique and identifiable patterns. Graduates can choose a Kente stole that resonates with their personal journey or academic path. For instance, a medical student might choose a stole predominantly in green to symbolize growth and life, aligning with their future profession’s principles. Moreover, Kente stoles may also incorporate symbols, such as the ‘Sankofa’ symbol, which means ‘go back and fetch it’ in the Akan language of Ghana. In addition to their rich symbolism, Kente stoles are visually striking, adding a vibrant array to the traditional black or other single colored graduation gowns. In conclusion, the unique patterns and vibrant colors of Kente stoles offer a beautiful way for graduates to express their individuality, to honor their achievements, and to carry their heritage with them as they step into the future.
Kente Cloth from Ghana
The name ‘Kente’ itself is derived from ‘kenten,’ a term in the Twi language of the Akan ethnic group in Ghana that means ‘basket’. Kente cloth is deeply entrenched in African history. Traditionally, it was reserved for royalty and influential figures in society and was worn during significant ceremonies or events. For people of African descent, wearing a Kente stole serves as a tangible connection to their roots. The vibrant Kente patterns worn during graduation or any other ceremonies are more than just aesthetically pleasing; they reflect the wearer’s pride in their African heritage and their connection to a lineage that spans continents and centuries. For non-black students or individuals who choose to wear Kente stoles, it’s an opportunity to show solidarity, respect, and appreciation for African cultures. In conclusion, Kente stoles serve as more than just a beautiful accessory. They are a vibrant, walking testament to a rich, historical tradition.
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Here are the reasons why Black grads wear kente stoles during graduation:
- Special Achievement
Pervasive discrimination and marginalization have been a long-standing culture among black students. The Kente stole not only reinforces the Black struggle, it amplifies the achievement of Black students amid rising discrimination in school systems. - Ancestral Heritage
The Kente Stole is a beautiful artwork of clothing that blends African colors and heritage. The presence of red colors, green, black, and others represent the diversity of the African heritage. The Kente stole helps trace Africanism, reminding students of their struggles and strife. It's a representation of not only academic organization and achievement but symbolizes heritage. This simple piece of clothing blends a rich African heritage. - Historic Symbolism
Stoles were adopted by Universities to show academic achievement, academic honor, and organization for black students. Today, West-African-inspired Kente stoles carry a similar attribute: draping this scarf holds strong symbolism. Kente stoles are a symbolic representation of black achievement. This historic symbolism is blended in every piece of Kente stole. - Identity and Pride
Identity is a facet of human nature. Humans identify themselves with their immediate surroundings, ancestry, and ethnicity that collectively form their natural heritage. Kente stoles carry a rich symbolism of Africanism, strengthening bonds among African communities across the diaspora. Kente is not only a representation of achievement, ancestral heritage, and historic symbolism - it carries a strong identity. Black grads donning Kente stoles identify themselves collectively as Africans. The stole carries a strong African identity - from rich colors to diverse, decorative patterns. - Representation
Many campuses, as part of their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, encourage black students to don Kente stoles. Kente stoles allow representation and inclusivity, in HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and especially in predominantly white institutions.
Selecting the right Kente stole involves considering the quality of the fabric, the symbolism of the pattern, and the reputation of the seller. Some stoles are made from authentic handwoven Kente cloth, while others are made from printed fabric that resembles Kente. Remember, each Kente stole pattern holds a specific meaning and tells a story. Some patterns represent power and leadership, while others symbolize love, knowledge, or wealth. Some sellers offer the option to customize your Kente stole. This might include embroidering your name, graduation year, or fraternity/sorority symbols on the stole.
To summarize, purchasing your Kente stole should be a careful process that considers authenticity, symbolism, quality, and the potential to support local artisans. Kente stoles truly stand as a testament to the perfect blend of style, heritage, and personal expression. These stoles are intricately woven with a heritage that dates back centuries and patterns that resonate with symbolism, which when draped around your shoulders, connect you to a tradition that is as profound as it is beautiful. Moreover, the personalization aspect of these stoles makes them all the more unique, allowing graduates to tell their own stories through the patterns and symbols they choose.
Here’s our curated list of some Kente scarves:
- Kente Cloth Stole Black Scarf - hand-woven in Ghana, 72 inches long and 4.5 inches wide with an ADVANSYNC LLC Certificate of Authenticity.
- African kente scarf - bright multi-colors, made from a combination of cotton and polyester, 40 inches on the shoulder and a width of 4 inches.
- African Fabs African Print Warm Fleece Winter Scarf - heavy-duty and stylish kente scarf, 70 inches long and 21 inches wide with a thick and warm anti-pilling fleece layer.
In light of their vibrant colors, unique patterns, and the powerful symbolism they carry, Kente stoles have emerged as a stylish addition to the traditional graduation gown. So, as you stand on the brink of a new journey or celebration, consider adding a Kente stole to your attire. Let it speak of your past achievements, future aspirations, and the rich cultural heritage that you are a part of.
While Kente stoles are predominantly associated with academic milestones such as high school or college graduations, their versatile nature and rich symbolism extend their use beyond these ceremonial contexts. Kente stoles can be incorporated into other significant life events and celebrations. For instance, they can add a vibrant cultural touch to weddings, especially for those who want to honor their African descent. Given their cultural significance, Kente stoles are ideal for cultural events such as Black History Month, Juneteenth celebrations, or Kwanzaa. In religious settings, such as church services or other spiritual gatherings, Kente stoles can serve as a symbol of faith and cultural unity. Beyond their ceremonial use, Kente stoles can also be a vibrant accessory in one’s everyday wardrobe. They can add a dash of color and pattern to a simple outfit, making it more stylish and distinctive. Due to their rich cultural heritage and beautiful designs, Kente stoles make for thoughtful and unique gifts. In conclusion, Kente stoles are not just a graduation accessory. Their vibrant colors, unique patterns, and rich symbolism make them versatile pieces that can be incorporated into various aspects of life.
Campus Connection: Beginning in 2016, the ceremony has become an annual tradition, offering a more personal alternative to the University’s large, formal commencement ceremony. The curated event is designed to be intimate, aiming to truly acknowledge and celebrate each individual.
Conceived by students and campus leaders, the introduction of this ceremony was long overdue. “Given how diverse Charlotte’s campus is and how proud we are as an institution of that diversity, it was simply time for something like this to be created to reflect that student population, speak to the soul of what we stand for as a campus community and to make everyone feel appreciated,” said Solomon T.
What Is the Significance of Kente Cloth in African American Culture? - African Roots And Routes
“Participating in the Donning of the Kente ceremony, wearing that cloth, underscores that your achievement is something bigger than yourself,” said Brandon Nixon ’16, who was integral in launching the Donning of the Kente tradition on campus after interacting with students from other institutions that held similar events. “You go to a school and dedicate a lot of your time and energy during those years.
The Donning of the Kente is a pre-commencement graduation celebration held yearly at colleges and high schools around the United States where participating graduates, typically of African descent, are adorned with academic stoles made of Kente cloth. Afterwards, the students can wear the Kente stole over their robes during the traditional graduation commencement.
During the celebration, participating students are sometimes marched to the stage in an African-drum led procession, often followed by a stage performance of traditional Ghanaian dance. A keynote speaker will then address the audience, noting the significance of the occasion and recognizing the hurdles overcome by the graduating students. Finally, each graduate is announced one after another, their academic major and any special achievements highlighted before being donned with a Kente graduation stole by a special guest of their choice. After all graduates have received their Kente stoles, final remarks are delivered by a keynote speaker, and the celebration closes with students lining out in a procession. Donning of the Kente ceremonies are typically followed by a reception for students, staff, and guests.
The wearing of Kente cloth as a graduation stole goes back to 1993, when faculty at West Chester University wanted to honor the specific challenges overcome by their African-American students.
Various Kente Symbols
