Donning of the Kente  Pre- Graduation Ceremony

The Donning of the Kente graduation ceremony is an annual event which celebrates the achievements of our Black students and serves as a powerful symbol of their journey to a Brooklyn College degree. Executing this event involves students at all stages of matriculation and also welcomes alumni and family members to actively participate in ushering graduates into a new chapter of their lives. In this way, the Donning of the Kente ceremony fosters a sense of unity and belonging that supports ongoing efforts in enrollment and admissions as well as recruitment and retention and sends the message that Brooklyn College is an academic environment where Black students thrive, graduate, and move forward into a future filled with boundless possibilities for success.

Sankofa Excellence Mentoring Program

In 2026, we proudly launched the inaugural  Sankofa Excellence Program cohort. The Sankofa Excellence Program recognizes students’ academic achievement, retention, and continued success throughout their journey at Brooklyn College leading to graduation.

We encourage you, as a member, to volunteer as a staff/faculty mentor and support our students as they navigate BC while building stronger connections with their peers and the Black Faculty and Staff (BFS) community. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please reach out to any member of the BFS Executive Board.

Black Solidarity Day

Celebrated every Monday before Election Day, Black Solidarity Day was founded by former Panamanian ambassador to the United Nations and Brooklyn College Professor, Carlos Russell. His call to “protest against the intensifying repression that threatens the very existence of Black people in America” is being echoed across the world today. 

Maroon and Black Week

‘Maroon and Black Week’ at Brooklyn College is a series of events created for Black faculty, staff, students, and alumni to unite, foster a sense of belonging and community, address vital concerns, celebrate Black Solidarity Day, and acknowledge our significant impact on the campus.

Rap and Relax

Rap and Relax is a brown bag conversation event which brings together students, faculty, and staff to share food and engage in conversation on socially relevant themes as presented in selected television shows and films. Click HERE to see past Rap and Relax flyers.