Kushinda
Forever Celebrating Your Accomplishments
Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje is a signature event hosted by OHIO’s Multicultural Center and Division of Diversity and Inclusion that unites our community to celebrate the degree completion of our multicultural undergraduate and graduate students. Students who graduated in Fall 2023 and those graduating in Spring 2024 are invited to attend. We are excited to applaud our multicultural students’ accomplishments!
Save the Date
Join us for a mixer on Friday, April 26 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 p.m. EST at Athens Uncorked to celebrate our Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduates. The formal Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje ceremony will follow on Friday, May 3 starting at 7:00 pm in the Baker Ballroom.
The event will include a march of graduates and each graduate will be recognized. All graduates are asked to wear their graduation regalia during the event. Those who choose to purchase will receive their Kente or serape cloth to wear during their commencement ceremonies. At this time, we are only offering Kente Stoles & Serapes, and suggest students order personalized stoles online as early as possible before the event.
REGISTER TODAY!
What does Kushinda and Ritos de Pasaje mean?
“Kushinda” is a Swahili term meaning “victorious.” Ritos de Pasaje" means Rites of Passage and are initiations in the Latin/Hispanic tradition leading individuals through significant stages of life.
Both rituals seek to commemorate the existence and rich cultural histories of people of Black and Latinx descent. The Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje celebration acknowledges the sacrifices of those who came before us and unifies us in ensuring the continued success of those who will come after us.
Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje 2023 Graduates
Planning Committee Members
The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank the Kushinda/Ritos De Pasaje planning committee for their contributions to ensuring a successful celebration.
2022-2023 Committee Members
- Vanessa Morgan Nai – Assistant Director, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
- Courtney Burton – Administrative Services Associate, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
- Jordan Schmitt – Content Marketing Specialist, University Communications and Marketing
- Honesty Thomas – Graduate Assistant, Multicultural Center
- Re'Aija Grice – Diversity Leadership Ambassador and student representative
- Dayna Shoulders – Student Senate President and student representative
- Cydney Granger – student representative
- Melanie Wills – student representative
- Maribel Antunez-Uriostegui – student representative
- Jalin Holloway – student representative
- Mason Stephens – student representative
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