The Black Congratulatory Celebration is an annual event held by BNAACC to honor Black graduates who are graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor, master, doctoral or professional degree, in a ceremony reflecting various traditions in the African diaspora.
2025 Black Congratulatory Ceremony!
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Location: Activities and Recreation Center (ARC); 201 E. Peabody, Champaign, IL
- Livestream at: https://go.illinois.edu/BCCLive
- Program booklet: https://go.illinois.edu/BCCProgram25
- Time: 7:30-9:30 pm CT (Doors open at 6:30 pm CT)
- Cost: $85 Premium Package or $50 Essential Package
- Premium Package fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, 2025 Black Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Essential Package fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, memento congratulatory program and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Registration: https://go.illinois.edu/BlackCongratulatory2025
- Registration closes Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:59pm. No late registration will be accepted.
- Questions? Email blackcongrats@illinois.edu
2025 Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Black Congratulatory?
We recognize Illinois students receiving their Bachelor, Master, Doctoral or Professional degrees between May 2025 and December 2025.
How can I register?
Follow this link: https://go.illinois.edu/BlackCongratulatory2025 !
Does it cost to participate?
Yes! You have two fee options to participate.
$85 Premium Package or $50 Essential Package
- Premium Package ($85) fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, 2025 Black Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, participation in Black Grad Week and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Essential Package ($50) fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, memento congratulatory program and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Sponsorship: If you are experiencing financial hardship, please email us at blackcongrats@illinois.edu and list sponsorship request in the subject. We will try our best to match you to a sponsor. We cannot guarantee this, but we can guarantee that we will try our best to find a sponsor! We'd love to have you be a part of the ceremony!
What is included in the fee?
Great question! Here is the breakdown!
- Premium Package ($85) fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, 2025 Black Congratulatory t-shirt, class gift bundle, a memento congratulatory program, participation in Black Grad Week and a custom Kente cloth stole!
- Essential Package ($50) fee includes your participation in the ceremony, a congratulatory headshot, memento congratulatory program and a custom Kente cloth stole!
Can I just pay for the stole?
Unfortunately, no - the fee is all or nothing. We do not provide an “A La Carte” option.
Will the ceremony be live streamed?
Yes! Here is the link: https://go.illinois.edu/BCCLive
Do I need tickets and is there a limit to the number of family/friends I can invite?
Tickets are NOT required and there is no limit to the number of guests per graduating student. Seating is first come, first serve.
Is my cap and gown included in the fee? If not, then where can I get my regalia?
Your cap & gown are NOT included in the Black Congratulatory fee. Learn how to order your commencement regalia. Your cap and gown are ordered through Herff Jones Cap & Gown Company and requires an additional payment.
When is the Black Congratulatory Photo?
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025!
Time:
- Arrive at 12:30 PM. You will check-in and get lined up.
- We will take the class photo promptly at 1 PM!!!
Location: Krannert Center for Performing Arts
- 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
All graduates are welcome to take the group photo regardless of registration status! Headshots are reserved for registrants only.
When is Black Grad Week? And what are the activities?
- Black Grad Week!! April 22nd - 26th!!
- Letter Writing, April 24th – 27th @ BNAACC
- Juke Jam, April 24th @ BNAACC
- Going Down Memory Lane with Black Alumni Network, April 26th @ BNAACC
Can I be refunded if I can not attend the Black Grad Week Events?
No, There will not be partial or full refunds for missing or not attending Black Grad Week events so take full advantage of these exciting events!
I'm concerned about the cost of Black Congratulatory Ceremony.
We understand the fee could be a factor in your participation! Please reach out to us at blackcongrats@illinois.edu with your concern and list sponsorship request in the subject line. We will try our best to match you to a sponsor. We cannot guarantee this, but we can guarantee that we will try our best to find a sponsor! We'd love to have you be a part of the ceremony!
Where Can I Park During The Ceremony?
Parking:
- Free spots in Lot E-24, west of the ARC (off of First Street)
- Free spots in Lot E-15, new parking garage on Pennsylvania Street across from the College of Law.
- Metered Parking on Peabody available
- Please DO NOT park in lot E-38, across from the ARC. This is a 24-hour Rental Lot for University Housing. You risk being towed.
Please check your email regularly and follow BNAACC on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Have additional questions? Please contact us at blackcongrats@illinois.edu
Title
Faculty & Staff Invitation
Saturday, May 17, 2025
We are excited to invite you to participate in the faculty/staff processional as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, receiving their bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Your presence and support play a vital role in making this event meaningful and vibrant.
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 6:30 pm at the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC)
Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025