African Americans and One Swede Recognized in Unique Presentation
Chip Murdock said those multicultural students that will graduate May 13 represent “strength, success and hope” to all those that have been part of their journey at Wilmington College.
(PICTURED) Mary Ayoki presents an African sash to be worn at graduation to her son, Linden, during the Tyehimba ceremony. In the background are Sigrid Solomon and Gary McCoy, who assisted Murdock with the presentations of graduation sashes representing the graduates' family heritage.
“You’re survivors,” said Murdock, director of multicultural affairs. “And I believe in you and I love you. I receive monetary compensation once a month but I get paid once a year. Your graduation is my payday! You are a fulfilled promise and the fruit of our labor.”
The occasion for Murdock’s powerful words Thursday evening (April 27) was Tyehimba, a ceremony with Swahili African roots that recognizes the heritage of those that are on the verge of accomplishing a significant milestone in their lives. They are self-described graduates-of-color and one international student from Sweden, most of whom have family roots in Africa.
“Tyehimba also celebrates the families and friends of those graduates who will soon be walking across the stage,” he added.
President Jim Reynolds thanked the students for the contributions they’ve made to the campus, noting “it’s been a privilege” to take care of them these past years.
“Take the values we’ve instilled and never compromise those values,” Reynolds said. “Remember to be the authentic you — don’t compromise that. And remember where you came from and the people in your lives that made a difference. Remember the sacrifices your family and friends made to help you to get to this point.
“Each of you holds a special place in my heart.”
The program also featured several parents and two African American alumni.
Mary Ayoki, mother of graduating senior, Linden, spoke of a life balancing philosophy in which ”truth, justice, rightiousness, order, harmony, respect and human dignity” all factor into creating the complete person.
Another parent, Jeff Settles, father of Camaree, was joined by Murdock on bass as he performed on piano “The Greatest Love of All,” while Nicole Foreman, mother of Ja’Cole Tabor, spoke of her efforts to be a good role model for her daughter. Foreman, a single mother when she started college, graduated with honors in earning an associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree over a 21-year college career.
“I never gave up,” she said, noting she overcame many obstacles. “I wanted my daughters to see my struggles and my accomplishments.”
Graduating senior Malcolm Pittman shared a reading dedicated to his mother in which he “noticed” her strength, fight, smile, work ethic, intelligence, faith and personality of not being afraid to be herself. “You made me strong, confident, passionate and loving,” he said. “You made me want to be like you.”
Chanel Sanders, class of 2005, said coming to Wilmington College was a “prayer answered,” as she always knew education was a path to success in life. “The world is sweet, awesome and challenging. Be bold, be authentic. You were created to be you!”
Her longtime friend, Jessica Frazier ’04, said she was determined that growing up in the “Projects” would not deter her from success. “I came from an environment when everybody said, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ I worked a lot of jobs to make going to College possible and, all the while, I knew I was doing it for my little brothers and sisters.”