The 12th Annual African & African American Graduation was held July 25, 2020, celebrating graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College and Merritt College.

“And…Still I Rise: Strength, Resiliency and Beauty in the Black Community” is the theme of this year’s graduation. The virtual occasion was marked by libation, inspiring speaker remarks, drumming, uplifting music, and the personalized recognition of the 2020 African and African American graduates.

This cultural celebration is in service to our African/African American students and every year it highlights the significance of their higher educational achievements to their family and the broader community. We are very proud to share this inspiring event with you

12th Annual Peralta Colleges
2020 African/African American Graduation Planning Committee

Lawrence E. VanHook, D.Min., Chair
Rose (Cie-Jae) Allen, Co-Chair
Ramona Butler, Co-Chair
Anita Black
Douglass Cobb
Brandon Christian
Doris Hankins
Nicole Kelly
Audrey Trotter, Ph.D.

A Special Thank You!!

Peralta Colleges Foundation
Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA)
Regina Stanback Stroud, Ed.D., Chancellor
Siri Brown, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Mark Johnson, Interim Executive Director, Department of Marketing,
Communication & Public Relations
Joe Sullivan, Videographer/Editor, Peralta TV
Aaron Harbour, District Web Content Developer
Obioma Noel Onuoha, Graduate Student Speaker, Berkeley City College
Ya’mese Johnson, Graduate Student Speaker, Merritt College
Angela Cherry Smith, Ph.D., Faculty Emeritus, Laney College
Cyril Butler, “Baba Skip”, Drummer
Tyehimba Kokayi, Drummer
Benton Smith, Soloist/Pianist