Kent State University will host the event Karamu Ya Wahitimu at 6 p.m. Friday in the Kent Student Center Kiva.

Karamu Ya Wahitimu is Swahili for celebration of the graduates. This pre-commencement celebration is to recognize the accomplishments of all graduating African, African American, Native American and Latino undergraduate and graduate students. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Said Sewell, assistant provost.

Kimberly Kennedy, special assistant in the Student Multicultural Center, said those participating will receive a certificate and something similar to graduation cords.

“They get a serape or a kente cloth depending on which one they prefer, or according to the culture they embrace,” she said. “They can also wear their cloth during the Kent State graduation.”

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the SMC are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Trinidy Jeter at 330-672-8571 or [email protected].

Contact Kelsey Leyva at [email protected].