Convocation season got off to a joyous start with McGill’s Black Grad Celebration, honouring the achievements of Black undergraduate, graduate, continuing studies and doctoral students.
“Today is all about the graduating class of 2026,” said Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo, Black Student Affairs Liaison, who served as the master of ceremonies at the May 2 event. “Tireless nights, challenging classes, exams and incredible academic and social contributions have all led to this moment.”
Featured guests included keynote speaker Vanessa Allen, a McGill MBA serving as Vice President and Director of TD Asset Management, co-valedictorians Ashleigh Brown and Orlane Donkpêgan Dopinos and former Black Grad valedictorian Ashley Jonassaint representing the McGill Black Alumni Association.
“If you’re passionate about something, use it. And if you see a space lacking something, build it,” said Brown, who captained the McGill track and field team and chairs the Black Varsity Association.
“I can feel the talent and the potential from all the trailblazers in this room, and I believe that there is nothing limiting you from building something that leaves a legacy.”
Making space for the next generation
Sixty-five graduates crossed the stage to receive their Kente sashes while a screen displayed remarks they had submitted about the highlights of their McGill experience. Many students emphasized their participation in Black student groups, such as the Caribbean Students Society, the McGill African Students Society, the National Society of Black Engineers and E-IDEA (Engineering Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Advancement). The event’s speakers emphasized the importance of building and maintaining those communities.
“Many of us navigated rooms where we underrepresented and sometimes underestimated,” said Donkpêgan Dopinos, who serves as President for the Black Students Network. “But what defines us is what we did once we got here: we built community, we created opportunities, and we made space for those coming after us. Our success was never meant to be kept; it was meant to be passed on.”
Allen echoed her words, urging graduates to keep the next generation of Black McGillians in mind.
“As Black graduates you may break down barriers for people like my very own daughter, who is here today,” she said. “I have a vested interest in your success.”
The ceremony also honoured this year’s graduating cohort of Black medical doctors – the largest in McGill’s history – as well as recipients of the Audrea Golding Black Student Leadership Award: Donkpêgan Dopinos, Kendra-Ann Haynes, Lindsay Kamgang and Plem Kijamba Lushembe. The event concluded with a gala reception presented by the Black Students Network.