The Black Congratulatory Celebration is an annual event held to honor Black graduates on the Illinois campus. The BNAACC recognizes students who are graduating from the U of I with a bachelor, masters, Ph.D. or professional degree in a ceremony reflecting various traditions in the African diaspora.
2023 Black Congratulatory Ceremony
- Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
- Location: George Huff Hall (1206 S. 4th Street, Champaign, IL 61820)
- Time: 7:00-9:00 pm CST (Doors open at 6:00 pm CST)
- Cost: $75.00 – Fee includes a kente clothe stole, class gift, class picture, program booklet, and more!
For questions, please email blackcongratulatoryuiuc@gmail.com.
Registration is open!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Black Congratulations?
We recognize Illinois students receiving their Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral or Professional degree between May 2023 and December 2023.
How can I register?
Registration closes on April 16 at 11:59 PM CT. Late registration will not be accepted.
Does it cost to participate?
Yes. The fee is $75.00. This fee is paid electronically through the registration form. No other forms of payment will be accepted.
What is included in the $75.00 fee?
The $75.00 fee covers the following:
- Kente Cloth Stole
- Class Gift
- Class Picture
- Program Booklet
- And More!
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! Information Is forthcoming.
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?
We will take the 2023 class photo on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts (KCPA).
- KCPA Address: 500 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
- There will be no opportunity to retake photos
- We will begin with the class photo promptly at 1:15 PM and then transition into college and individual photos
- ▪ The class photo is covered via your congratulatory fee, individual photos will be your responsibility to pay for separately
- Please be prepared to arrive on-time and photo ready!
- To participate in photos, you DO NOT need to be registered for the ceremony
When is Black Grad Week? And what are the activities?
TBA
Please check your email regularly and follow BNAACC on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Have additional questions? Please contact us at blackcongratulatoryuiuc@gmail.com.