Why We Wear Kente Stoles

Rooted in the ceremonial traditions of the Ashanti people of Ghana, the Kente Stole is a symbol of brilliance, achievement, and cultural pride.

At the Black Student Centre, we present Kente Stoles to Black-identifying students, staff, and faculty as a way to celebrate achievement while recognizing the connections that make our journeys possible. Each stole represents the strength of our communities and the many people who contribute to our success.

Like the woven strands of Kente itself, we are brought together in all our uniqueness. The stole is a physical representation of connection, collective achievement, and the strength we find in one another.