On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA) proudly hosted its 17th Annual African/African American Graduation for the Peralta Community College District. The vibrant event, open to all, celebrated the rich tapestry of the African diaspora while honoring the remarkable achievements of graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.
The ceremony was a powerful testament to perseverance, community, and ancestral wisdom, with Dr. Lawrence VanHook, PAAAA President, serving as the event's master of ceremonies. Bishop Lawrence Brandon of Evergreen Church provided the invocation, quoting Dr. Howard Washington Thurman: "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." This powerful message resonated throughout the morning, encouraging graduates to pursue their passions with purpose.
Gregory Hodge provided the land acknowledgement and libation honoring ancestors. He reflected on "Ancestral Insight," or "AI," as he playfully clarified, not referring to artificial intelligence. He highlighted the contributions of historical Black figures in various fields, urging graduates to draw inspiration from their ancestors. He encouraged them to remember those who came before them, whether famous or personal family figures, as sources of strength and renewal. He closed by inviting attendees to call out the names of impactful ancestors, creating a collective echo of gratitude and remembrance.
Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Peralta Community College District Chancellor, delivered a stirring address, emphasizing the collective triumph represented by the graduates. "This moment, this very moment, is the embodiment of dreams turned into degrees, of ancestors' hopes rising into reality, of a community climbing and lifting hand in hand, step by step," she proclaimed.
Dr. Gilkerson acknowledged the challenges many graduates faced, stating, "This journey wasn't always smooth. There were nights when sleep came second to assignments, days when self-doubt tried to drown your brilliance, moments when the world tried to make you feel like you didn't belong. But you stayed, you pushed, you persevered, you showed the world what excellence looks like."
Connecting their personal achievements to a broader societal context, Chancellor Gilkerson urged graduates to "never forget to reach" as they rise. "Let your success be a bridge, not a pedestal, because we are strongest when we remember none of us makes it, unless all of us can." She concluded by empowering the Class of 2025: "You are not just graduates, you are change makers, culture shakers, trailblazers. Let the world feel your presence, let history remember your name, let the next generation feel your lift. Keep dreaming, keep shining, keep rising. Walk into your legacy, into your purpose, and into your tremendous power."
The event also featured student speaker Vanessa Irene Foreman Vargas, graduating from Berkeley City College, who, earlier this month, was among the students awarded scholarships by the PAAAA in partnership with the Peralta Colleges Foundation.
The keynote speech was given by the Honorable Rowena Brown, elected to the Oakland City Council in November. Councilmember Brown commented, "It was not too long ago that I began my journey in the pursuit of higher education. In fact, I was sitting exactly where you all are. I'm a proud alum of the Peralta Colleges and graduated from Laney College...I continue to be a fan and a fierce advocate of the community colleges."
Benton Smith, graduating from Laney College, sang a beautiful song he composed. At the Peralta Colleges Foundation Spring Forward Meet & Greet last month, he performed a different song (that was also amazing!) and announced his plans to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston next fall. Thank you for the beautiful music!
Several PCCD employees were recognized as "Peralta Honores" including Tauheeda Anderson (Merritt College), Shanice Millican (Laney College) and Shannon Penn (Berkeley City College. Congratulations!
A special recognition was given to Ramona Butler for her 17 years of dedicated service to the graduation committee as she prepares for retirement. Ms. Butler shared insightful words, encouraging everyone to embrace continuous education and find a sacred space for reflection and peace.
Many thanks to the PAAAA graduation planning committee, which included:
- Dr. Lawrence VanHook
- Cie-Jae (Rose) Allen
- Doris Hankins
- Ramona Butler
- Douglass Cobb
- Hope Lane
- La Shawn Brumfield
The 17th Annual African/African American Graduation was a profound and inspiring event, leaving graduates and attendees alike with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the rich legacy they carry forward. A video recording of the graduation is available on YouTube here. A PDF of the program can be found here.
