An archway adorned with greenery and African motifs greeted Black graduates, alumni, and other guests at the 2024 Senior Mwambo, held in the Shalala Student Center in May.
Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the Senior Mwambo is an African rite of passage ceremony that marks the transition of Black graduates from their lives at the University of Miami to advanced education and professional careers. The ceremony’s theme is “In the footsteps of our ancestors” and it is rich in symbolic elements of food, music, and water.
Among the ancestors invoked was the late Patrick Masala, B.S.C. ’93, a student from Malawi who served as president of the African Student Union and was instrumental in launching the Senior Mwambo in 1992. Masala passed away soon after starting graduate studies at the University, and he is remembered today for his vision, dynamism, and pride in African culture.
This year’s program began with remarks from Kennedy Robinson-Birt, director of multicultural student affairs; Maribel Perez Wadsworth, B.S.C. ’93, president of the University of Miami Alumni Association; Astin Hayes, B.S.C. ’06, president of the Black Alumni Society; Guillermo “Willy” Prado, M.S. ’00, Ph.D. ’05, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost; and Renée Dickens Callan, Ed.D. ’18, assistant vice president for student life. Patricia A. Whitely, Ed.D. ’94, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement, introduced the main speaker, Brianna Hathaway, B.A. ’16, president of the Young Alumni Leaders Council.
The central element of the Senior Mwambo was a libation, or blessing, a ritual pouring of water performed by ceremonial elder Jashua Sa-Ra, a renowned author, educator, and healer. The libation was performed in English and Twi, a west African language, and comprised three elements: an invitation from God to receive drink, a blessing of the earth, and a blessing of honor and respect to ancestors.
Following the libation, graduates walked in procession to the stage to receive stoles made of kente cloth, a fabric traditionally worn by African royalty, which graduates wore proudly as part of their commencement regalia.
Concluding the event, Madison Rodas, associate director of Multicultural Student Affairs, presented the Nanga Award to graduating seniors—and twins—Celine and Sarah Petit, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the University and to student life.
