(Headline USA) McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, held a segregated graduation ceremony only for black students this month, in a calculated move to promote so-called diversity, inclusion and racial harmony while dividing by race.
The special ceremony was separated from McMaster’s convocation ceremonies and was open only to “Black identifying students,” but black students were not required to attend, reported True North.
To encourage participation in the racist ceremony, the first 100 “black identifying” registrants received a special “graduation garment that represents African American pride.”
On the day after the event, the university posted a tweet informing that black students and their relatives spent a good time at the Black Grad Celebration.
“I hope you feel seen. And I hope you know you belong. Pomp, circumstance, tears, gowns … and live steelpan music,” the University proclaimed. “Black students and loved ones celebrated their achievements at the inaugural Black Grad Celebration. Congrats!”
The segregated ceremony brought students, relatives, friends and staff together to celebrate the black graduates of 2022, according to True Truth.
Faith Ogunkoya, the university’s Black Student Success Centre manager, organized the graduation ceremony. The segregated celebration was very important because the university is predominantly white, she told the CBC.
“It was very much about mitigating that social isolation that happens when you feel — in a predominately white institution — you’re outnumbered, it’s good for you to look around and see yourself,” Ogunkoya said.
She also added that she made sure to bring together black people connected to the university.
“What was important was to make sure I brought together black faculty members, black staff members and the students themselves. I also made sure alumni voice was there,” Ogunkoya said.
“The whole day was about celebrating and centering Blackness.”
