BSU Celebration Highlights Black Excellence and Community

The CUNY School for Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) Black Student Union celebrated its graduating members for the fourth consecutive year during a joyous event.

The festivities featured speeches, food, and music during the hybrid event on May 15 and recognized the impressive achievements of the School’s Black graduates.

The evening began with inspirational words from the event’s emcees and the BSU administrative co-chairs, Kimberly Sparkes and Shanice Drakes.

"Black excellence is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination,” Drakes said. "It's a celebration of the countless achievements and contributions of Black individuals across every field and endeavor.”

Drakes introduced student keynote speaker Genesis Fernandez, who embodied that message.

As a BA in Communication and Media student, Fernandez experienced a period of homelessness that led her to drop out of community college, and also a time where she earned a six-figure income as a fashion entrepreneur.

"If I can survive poverty, homelessness, sexual assault and over 20 withdrawals on my transcript just at CUNY SPS, and still stand here with hope and willingness to succeed – then you can too,” Fernandez said.  

Heaven-Lee Searles, a BA in Psychology student and BSU media and marketing chairperson, shared that being a Black graduate means to succeed, not just for herself but to support the same community that championed her. “Black excellence is about collective empowerment,” she said. “By lifting each other up, we all rise together.”

Amarna Williams, a MS in Disability Services in Higher Education student and BSU meetings and programming chairperson, also hoped to “inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and break barriers in academia.” She plans to give back by improving “accessibility and equity, especially for students with disabilities, and to increase representation of Black women in higher education in leadership positions.”

The guest keynote speakers echoed this need for support.

CUNY University Director of Graduate Enrollment Sonja Prophete reflected on the challenges she faced as a first-generation college student.

"In the midst of the unfamiliar landscape, I also found solace and support in the embrace of community, much like the one you've fostered here today," Prophete said. "My Black Student Association became my anchor, grounding me in a sea of uncertainty.”

She said she has dedicated herself “to ensuring that all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel seen, feel supported, and feel empowered to pursue their educational dreams.”

The second keynote speaker, CUNY SPS Director of Campus Operations Celeste Clarke said, “honing and developing your natural abilities, no matter how different or obscure,” is the key to Black excellence. She also reminded students that “hope is not a risk management strategy. You must be prepared to have a plan in place and take action because moving from hopes and dreams to action is also Black excellence.”

Clarke acknowledged that undeniable systemic and structural barriers exist and that the cumulative impact of such barriers over a Black individual’s lifetime has yet to be quantified or fully understood. She also urged students to “never allow anyone to dampen your light or hinder you from shining bright.” 

CUNY SPS Dean Lisa R. Braverman also addressed the graduates and congratulated the BSU on the vibrance of its community and commitment. She called upon its graduating members to “take the same energy you brought to the School out into the wider world which needs your voice, your insights, your excellence.”

Additionally, Communication and Media Program Academic Director James Richardson had words of advice to graduating students.

“Don't give up on yourselves," he implored. "If you get knocked down nine times, get up 10. It's never been easy for us. But whatever we're going through right now is a fraction of what our ancestors had to put up with. Never forget that.” 

Watch highlights from the 2024 BSU graduation event here.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
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Prerna.dar@cuny.edu