On May 28, the Black Student Union (BSU) celebrated its seniors in this year’s Stole Ceremony. Graduating seniors include: Josiah Cuerton (‘25), Saraiah Hoover (‘25) and Adama Turay (‘25).
The Stole Ceremony is an annual event where qualifying BSU seniors are recognized and receive a kente cloth stole in honor of their graduation and participation in the club.
Kente cloth originated in modern-day Ghana around 400 years ago and was worn by Ashanti kings and queens. In 1958, independent Ghana’s first Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah wore this woven cloth when he travelled to the US and met President Eishenhower. The meeting occurred during the Civil Rights Movement and African Americans were inspired to wear the cloth as a symbol of their African heritage.
Kente cloth contains different patterns in red, green, black, yellow, and gold. Red represents political and spiritual feelings, green: growth and good health, yellow: things that are holy and precious, black: strong spiritual energy, and gold: African souls.
In his speech, president-elect Aidan Edwards (‘26) told seniors, “Wear your kente stole with pride. Let it be a constant reminder of your strength and your potential. Go forth with confidence, knowing that you are capable of achieving greatness”.
The BSU has created a space to embrace Black culture and educate others. This year, the club raised over $2,600 during its annual Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser, traveled to Grover to provide advice about high school, packed bags for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, organized a “Students and Teachers Basketball Game”, planned Black History Family Night, and visited Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Bowie State University and Coppin State University.
Most importantly, the BSU gives Black students a space to explore and learn about their culture.
“BSU has been a safe space where I could fully embrace who I am,” said Turay. “It gave me a sense of belonging, especially in a school where not many students look like me or share the same experiences. Being part of the club reminded me that my voice matters and that there’s power in community and culture.”
Graduating senior, and incumbent president, Hoover said of being part of BSU, “It’s shaped me into a better leader and more driven individual, which l’ll be forever thankful for.”
This year’s seniors were hard working, organized, funny and helped keep the club environment productive and positive.
Ms. Barnes, club co-advisor, said at the stole ceremony, “To our Class of 2025 graduates, I hope you proudly display our heritage and culture wherever you go, educating others on how amazing we truly are.”
Congratulations to the Black Student Union graduates! We know you will continue to improve and shape our world positively.
