The Kente Donning Ceremony is an annual cultural achievement ceremony held by HCBMAA that celebrates African Black and Caribbean (ABC) students in Humboldt County who recognize their cultural roots. The ceremony gives mwanafunzi (students) the chance to celebrate their accomplishments and acknowledge someone special in their lives. Mwanafunzis can choose who will present them with the kente stole at the Ubuntu gathering. The presenter uses this act to recognize the hard work the student put into their passions and a wish of success for the future. ABC seniors that participate are presented with a stole handmade of African kente cloth that symbolizes and celebrates prestige in many African societies. The kente stole is a visual representation of African history, philosophy, ethics, language, values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought, and aesthetic principles in a cultural context. The cloth was worn by kings, queens, and important figures in Ghanaian society, during ceremonial events and special occasions. Students will be able to wear the stoles proudly at their local high graduation.
Opportunities for ABC's in Humboldt:
Participating in the African Black Caribbean Community Kente Donning Ceremony on the Arcata Plaza at 2:00 pm
Celebrating with HCBMAA at the Black Panther Party in November
Hanging out with Black Humboldt during family night
Volunteering at the MLK Learning Centers honoring ABC Liberation and Excellence in January
Joining the Black Student Union e-mail contact@eurekanaacp.org
The Eureka NAACP supports Black Student Unions (BSU) throughout Humboldt County middle/high-schools, Universities, and Colleges. Together they are known as the All Humboldt Black Student Union (AHBSU). To apply for scholarships with the Eureka NAACP go to https://www.eurekanaacp.org/education