Audrey Reiley Participates in Donning of the Kente and Lavender Ceremony

2018 May 7

Audrey Reiley of Auburn, Pa., is one of more than 20 LVC students who participated in the inaugural Donning of the Kente and Lavender ceremony hosted by the College's Office of Intercultural Affairs and Inclusive Programming. Reiley, a graduate of Blue Mountain High School, is pursuing a bachelor of arts in art and art history at LVC.

As part of the Kente Graduation Ceremony, graduates were bestowed with a Kente, a ceremonial cloth hand-woven on a loom. The tradition dates to the 12th century, when it was worn by the Ashanti people of Ghana, West Africa. Kente cloths come in various colors, sizes, and designs and are worn during important social and religious occasions. Each color represents a special meaning, ranging from the color of the Earth, the mother, and for the sky to symbolize holiness, peace, harmony, good fortune, and love.

The Lavender Graduation Ceremony is an annual event conducted on numerous college and university campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and to acknowledge their academic achievements and contributions to the College.

"This ceremony is a way we can acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our ALANA and LGBTQ students on campus," said Renata Williams, director of intercultural affairs and inclusive programming. "The ceremony demonstrates LVC's larger commitment to diversity and inclusion. I am honored to plan and implement the inaugural year of the Donning of the Kente & Lavender Graduation ceremony for our students. Sawubona-we see you."