Our Story
In May of 2005, I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University on a warm spring day. Prior to my graduation, my school’s Black Caucus held a “Sankofa” Kente Stole ceremony where all of us graduates received a handwoven Kente Stole with "Class of 2005" written on both sides. I wore this stole on my graduation day on that rare warm State College day.
I waited anxiously and excitedly for my name to be called. As my name was called I marched up the stage to receive my diploma. The Dean handing out the diplomas quickly shook hands with everyone in front of me and kept them marching on without missing a beat. When I got to him, he stopped everything he was doing. He looked at my Kente Stole in awe, touched it and commented on how beautiful it was – right in front of the entire stadium. I couldn’t help but to feel special and to stand a little taller wearing that stole. Knowing that the stole was handmade in Ghana, the motherland, only added to the pride I felt. On that day, the seed for Sankofa Edition™ was planted.
Sankofa Edition™ seeks to honor every graduate who has earned the right to wear a Kente Stole on their graduation day. My goal is to make sure that you feel as special on your graduation day as I felt on mine. Thank you for making Sankofa Edition™ your choice for Kente Graduation Stoles.
Best regards,
William
Pictures show:
William at his college graduation wearing a kente stole and
William (with his father) learning how to weave kente on a traditional loom.