BLSA members honored at annual Donning of the Kente ceremony

CARLISLE AND UNIVERSITY PARK, PA—The annual Donning of the Kente ceremonies at Carlisle and University Park recently celebrated the many accomplishments of graduating members of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at Penn State Dickinson Law.

BLSA and the Office of Student Services co-sponsored the ceremony, which presents each student’s achievements during their time at the Law School and celebrates the journey to come. Friends and family of the students joined Penn State Dickinson Law faculty, staff, and other community members to cheer on the graduates as they donned the West African kente cloth.

The ceremony is a tradition held nationwide at law schools, colleges, and high schools. The cloth draped around each graduate’s neck symbolizes African American heritage. The event congratulates the students on their achievements while acknowledging their heritage and the challenges they have overcome as students of African descent. Each student receives a moment in the spotlight when they don the colorful cloth.

Both ceremonies featured distinguished speakers amid a joyous atmosphere.

University Park Donning of the Kente

The theme of the University Park ceremony, held April 24 at the Katz Building, was “Draped in Legacy, Bound for Greatness.”

Three Penn State Dickinson Law alumni returned as featured speakers at the event: Leilani Brown ’23, who served as BLSA secretary during her 2L year and was also a member of the BLSA regional champion mock trial team in 2022; Brea Jones ’22, who served as managing editor of communications for the Journal of Law and International Affairs; and Taylor Washington ’23, who served as BLSA vice president as a 2L and also belonged to the 2022 regional champion mock trial team.

Other remarks were given by outgoing BLSA President Amelia Dodoo, outgoing Vice President Amber Rattery, incoming BLSA President Tristen Sutton, and incoming Vice President Courtney Carmichael.

“The Donning of the Kente is an opportunity to honor BLSA students who have poured themselves into this community, who have navigated the challenges that come with law school, and who are now stepping into a profession to do meaningful work,” said Dodoo. “The Kente cloth originates from Ghana, my home country, and carries centuries of meaning. Seeing it draped over our graduating class was a reminder of why this organization exists and why the work we do together matters. I am so proud of every single member of the BLSA Class of 2026, and I have no doubt that they will carry this legacy forward with excellence and grace.”

A short video about the graduates played before the donning ceremony and recessional.

Carlisle Donning of the Kente

The Carlisle ceremony took place on May 14. BLSA member Aiyanna Gutema ’27 led the singing of the “Black National Anthem,” followed by opening remarks from Penn State Dickinson Law and School of International Affairs Dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law Danielle M. Conway.

Menen Pierre ’27 (J.D. student of the year), Fatou Jawo and Ivan Foreleh (LL.M. students of the year), and Professor of Law Sarah J. Williams (faculty member of the year) all received awards before Marissa LaWall ’18 delivered her keynote speech. She noted that only three students participated in the Donning of the Kente ceremony when she graduated, compared to 17 this year.

“Serving as BLSA President and helping lead this year's Donning of the Kente ceremony were the most meaningful experiences of my law school journey,” said Williams. “At the ceremony, the most powerful moment for me was when we paused and asked the first-generation law students to stand. There was barely a dry eye in the auditorium when the entire stage of BLSA graduates stood. Their starting points and playing fields often looked very different from many of their peers, yet despite every obstacle, they crossed the very same finish line. That resilience, strength, and sacrifice deserve to be celebrated.”