By: LaMarcus Wilkerson

The African American Studies department will be hosting their thirteenth annual multicultural graduation ceremony on May 9 in the Student Union Theater at 7 p.m.

The celebration has been ongoing since 2000 and will continue to honor this year’s graduates.

However, the AFAM department extends its invitations to all students.

Calvin Walker, assistant professor of African American Studies, made the distinction that even though the AFAM department is hosting the event, it is not limited to race.

Also, Walker said that the event is not limited to students; faculty is also invited.

In past ceremonies, department heads were in attendance.

Furthermore, Walker said that President McKinney is invited. However, the president’s attendance has not been confirmed.

At the event, AFAM will be rejoicing graduates by singing and dancing.

The AFAM department has been working continuously to organize this ceremonial celebration since the beginning of the semester.

“We do it every spring,” Walker said.

The annual ceremony is called “Sanfoka,” a term which means looking back in order to move forward.

“Sankofa” comes from the Akan language of Ghana.

An image of a bird turning its head backwards in order to grasp an egg is advertised by the AFAM department.

Graduates are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 p.m.