Dressed in bright red, green, white and black regalia, the Teye Sa Thiosanne African Drum and Dance Company moved through San Diego City College’s A building patio with radiant, contagious energy.
The ritual dance of the royal drum, performed by the company, is a Burundi tradition that combines synchronized drumming and traditional dance.
Drums were considered sacred objects reserved only for special occasions in the East African country.
On May 11, the Rite of Passage ceremony, commending the San Diego Community College District’s Black graduates and transfer students, was that special occasion.
“Libation is very important in all African cultures,” said elder Bernard “Yiriba” Thomas, founder and co-director of the Teye Sa Thiosanne African Drum and Dance Company. “We must never forget those who have come before us, who have paved the way, paid the sacrifice and shed the blood.”
Rite of passage rituals represent an important transition and celebration of an individual’s transformation, entering their next stage, according to the SDCCD website.
SDCCD’s version brings graduating and transferring students from its four campuses – City, Mesa, Miramar and Continuing Education – to celebrate their transitions together.
Each year, the event is held on a different SDCCD campus. This spring, it was City’s turn.
Family and friends, as well as administration, faculty and staff, gathered as the sun set over the downtown skyline.
Black Student Success counselor and coordinator Nesha Savage led the logistical efforts that brought all four campuses together for the event that lasted over three hours.
The SDCCD community enjoyed a cultural performance and ritual, music, a photo booth, dinner and the Black national anthem sung by guest Susan Perkins.
City College student and former veteran Morgan Marino delivered a touching tribute to her professors in UMOJA.
UMOJA is a critical community resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black students, according to UMOJA Community.
“I can’t imagine I’d have the same passion for my educational journey. If it weren’t for my incredible UMOJA professors, counselors and classmates, who brought me back to life and ignited a fire in my heart that will never be extinguished,” Marino said. “We cannot be broken or discarded, because I believe being Black is an honor.”
Mesa College’s Adriana Dorsey recalled the turning point in her educational journey when another Black student invited her to UMOJA.
“(Student Robin Bolden) assured me that this was a space for me that I needed to be in,” Dorsey said. “These were spaces that didn’t just see me as a student, but that truly saw me as a whole person.”
Miramar College artist and art studio owner Zion Burks commended the school’s art department in its approach to artist development.
“They don’t force you, they don’t pace you, and they don’t try to demoralize you to be a better artist,” Burks said. “They ask you to be yourself, to try your best, and to make something that you actually believe in. They made me love art again.”
Judith Marcelin came from the recently renamed Harbor View Continuing Education campus, which had previously been named after Cesar E. Chavez. Through community pressure, the Board of Trustees voted to change it on April 6, 2026 after allegations against Chavez were published.
Marcelin said, while many people see graduation as simply receiving a diploma, it means more to her.
“For us, it represents sacrifice,” Marcelin said. “There were moments when we felt like this was a waste, we were tired, and wondered if our hard work would ever be useful, but one thing about Black students is that we continue to rise.”
Another Harbor View student, Spencer Love, filled the ambiance with poetic resilience.
“You do not have to shrink your Blackness, your name matters, your voice matters, your stories matter,” said Love. “Tonight, we celebrate more than achievement. We celebrate transformation, we celebrate perseverance, we celebrate identity, we celebrate truth, and above all, we celebrate you. Thank you, class of 2026.”
This story was edited by Rosemary Archer and Nadia Lavin.
