Spring Break
Earning a Master's at age 18
Profile of Deara Okonkwo
Juontel White
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: News
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It is a tradition that began a little more than 10 years ago and takes place in Bovard annually on the Thursday before university-wide commencement.
It was created as a means of featuring and celebrating the achievements of African American graduates through student performances, a speaker and of course, a graduate processional.
African American students wearing black caps and gowns adorned with cardinal and gold tassels (the colors of USC) and Kinta cloth sashes (symbolic of African heritage), form a line at stage right.
One by one, they step forward, waiting for the mistress of ceremonies to call them onstage to be recognized.
When their name is called, they walk on stage to receive a certificate from USC's Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) and a pin from the Black Alumni Association.
They then have a few moments to give "shout-outs"-thank you to friends and family-or a performance. In years past, members of historically black fraternities and sororities as well as student dance teams have performed step and dance routines, respectively.
Deara Okonkwo is next in line, standing behind members of a dance group. Her shoulder-length hair is shiny black and gently frames her cocoa brown face.
She grins with excitement and clutches her name card, anxious to hand it to the mistress of ceremonies Corliss P. Bennett McBride, Director of the CBCSA.
Okonkwo waves to her mother and father, who are both sitting in the front row and wearing Nigerian ceremonial attire.
Mrs. Kendra Okonkwo's hat, a turban-like headpiece made of a powder blue and shiny silver cloth is the exact match of her blouse and skirt and is so large it blocks the view of the people seated behind her.
She beams with pride as she waves back to her daughter.
Hostess McBride takes Okonkwo's name card and immediately steps out from behind the podium.
"For this next graduate, I need everyone to pay attention," she yells with excitement. "Graduating tonight, we have a 17-year-old girl! […]I need everyone to stand up for Deara Okonkwo."