Harvard University’s black students have finally organized a graduation ceremony for students and faculty members of African decent. Over 700 students and attendees were signed up to go to the Black commencement that would take place two days before the regular commencement.

The student organizers made sure to tell patrons that “it isn’t meant to replace the existing ceremony, but rather to add something that was missing.”

The purpose of the special graduation was to “‘give a voice to the voiceless.”

“So many students identify with the African diaspora, but don’t necessarily feel welcome as part of the larger community, and they don’t feel like their stories are being shared,” says organizer Michael Huggins.

Harvard University is now part of a group of several colleges that participate in the acknowledging of underrepresented groups for graduation.

The event was open to everyone that wanted to help these students that are part of the African Diaspora. Harvard University was under scrutiny for the hate crime against some black professors.

The black commencement was to highlight racial disparities of the campus and bring Harvard into a new light. Congratulations to all the graduates of Harvard University Class of 2017!