Something I wrote that I'm proud of
Following are the remarks I wrote for Vassar's 18th Annual Kente Cloth Ceremony, which I emceed this past Saturday.
I cannot recall the last time I emceed anything, let alone wrote anything to read in front of a crowd of people. Despite the nervousness and the stress I felt going into it, I'm so very glad I did it!
(And yes, I *meant* to end that subject line with a preposition!
)
Good afternoon, everyone!
My name is tennis_bear, class of 1991, and I am interim chair of the steering committee of the African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College. I am honored to welcome President Hill, Judge Roberts, Dean Jackson, distinguished trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, and of course the graduating seniors of the Class of 2007 to this 18th Annual Kente Cloth Bestowing Ceremony!
18 consecutive years, think about that. The year of that first "annual" Kente Ceremony, 1990 was momentous for our world and our nation in many ways. South Africa's Nelson Mandela tasted freedom after 27 years of political imprisonment; the Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany; Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting the stage for the first Gulf War and starting a chain of events with which we still grapple today; and in a small lab in Switzerland, an obscure scientist completed his draft and first prototype for what he called a "multiply connected 'web' whose interconnections evolve with time."
On campus, something happened which had a major impact on future life at the college: that February a coalition of student groups -- led by what is now known as the Black Students Union -- took over Main Building. Inspired by a similar takeover in 1969, the coalition demanded more openness and accessibility from the administration, and they demanded that more of the college's resources go to the development of the intercultural diversity of the student population. The ALANA Center, Bayit House, and Blegen House were results (direct and indirect) of that bold protest. So too was the creation of this Kente Cloth Bestowing Ceremony and the reinstitution of the Baccalaureate Service by the Council of Black Seniors.
Seniors, 18 years ago your parents were probably getting themselves worked up wondering which elementary school you would get into, or for some of you, which elementary school to make sure you were NOT put into. 18 years ago, I was a junior here at the college wondering if I had the stamina, financially and emotionally, to make it to very the finish line you are reaching this weekend. For the record, I made it. Eventually.
And now, so have you. The Kente Cloth Ceremony is a celebration of your wonderful achievement -- the end of one journey of self-discovery and the beginning of who knows how many other such journeys. It is our way as alums of honoring you, and of welcoming you to the family that is Triple AVC, the African-American Alumni of Vassar College.
Seniors, in a moment you are going to hear from one of our distinguished alumni, and then you will be asked to come to the stage to recieve your Kente cloth from one of the many alumni who have joined us today. You will then have an opportunity to take the mike and say something from your heart, to your parents, fellow students, and other members of the community before us today.
...
An important part of being Vassar Alumni is giving back to the college community. In that spirit I would like to ask those alumni who have volunteered or are presently volunteering to stand and be recognized. Seniors, it is our sincerest hope that you will one day follow in their proud footsteps.
With the bestowing of the Kente we now continue a bonafide Vassar tradition. Alumnae bestowers, please come to the stage.
...
Seniors, we formally welcome you as full members to the Triple AVC community! Peace be with you and your families on this joyous occasion.
I cannot recall the last time I emceed anything, let alone wrote anything to read in front of a crowd of people. Despite the nervousness and the stress I felt going into it, I'm so very glad I did it!
(And yes, I *meant* to end that subject line with a preposition!
)
Good afternoon, everyone!
My name is tennis_bear, class of 1991, and I am interim chair of the steering committee of the African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College. I am honored to welcome President Hill, Judge Roberts, Dean Jackson, distinguished trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, and of course the graduating seniors of the Class of 2007 to this 18th Annual Kente Cloth Bestowing Ceremony!
18 consecutive years, think about that. The year of that first "annual" Kente Ceremony, 1990 was momentous for our world and our nation in many ways. South Africa's Nelson Mandela tasted freedom after 27 years of political imprisonment; the Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany; Iraq invaded Kuwait, setting the stage for the first Gulf War and starting a chain of events with which we still grapple today; and in a small lab in Switzerland, an obscure scientist completed his draft and first prototype for what he called a "multiply connected 'web' whose interconnections evolve with time."
On campus, something happened which had a major impact on future life at the college: that February a coalition of student groups -- led by what is now known as the Black Students Union -- took over Main Building. Inspired by a similar takeover in 1969, the coalition demanded more openness and accessibility from the administration, and they demanded that more of the college's resources go to the development of the intercultural diversity of the student population. The ALANA Center, Bayit House, and Blegen House were results (direct and indirect) of that bold protest. So too was the creation of this Kente Cloth Bestowing Ceremony and the reinstitution of the Baccalaureate Service by the Council of Black Seniors.
Seniors, 18 years ago your parents were probably getting themselves worked up wondering which elementary school you would get into, or for some of you, which elementary school to make sure you were NOT put into. 18 years ago, I was a junior here at the college wondering if I had the stamina, financially and emotionally, to make it to very the finish line you are reaching this weekend. For the record, I made it. Eventually.
And now, so have you. The Kente Cloth Ceremony is a celebration of your wonderful achievement -- the end of one journey of self-discovery and the beginning of who knows how many other such journeys. It is our way as alums of honoring you, and of welcoming you to the family that is Triple AVC, the African-American Alumni of Vassar College.
Seniors, in a moment you are going to hear from one of our distinguished alumni, and then you will be asked to come to the stage to recieve your Kente cloth from one of the many alumni who have joined us today. You will then have an opportunity to take the mike and say something from your heart, to your parents, fellow students, and other members of the community before us today.
...
An important part of being Vassar Alumni is giving back to the college community. In that spirit I would like to ask those alumni who have volunteered or are presently volunteering to stand and be recognized. Seniors, it is our sincerest hope that you will one day follow in their proud footsteps.
With the bestowing of the Kente we now continue a bonafide Vassar tradition. Alumnae bestowers, please come to the stage.
...
Seniors, we formally welcome you as full members to the Triple AVC community! Peace be with you and your families on this joyous occasion.