McGill's Black Grad Gala Celebrates Class of 2024
On May 1, McGill University's 6th annual Black Grad Gala, hosted by the Black Students’ Network, honoured the Class of 2024's Black graduates. Approximately 50 graduates from various faculties were celebrated on stage, each receiving Kente stoles in recognition of their achievements. Notable speakers included Associate Professor Momar Ndao and Black Grad Valedictorian Yasmine Elmi, a McCall MacBain Scholar in the Faculty of Science and incoming McGill medical student. Alongside musical performances and awards, McGill's first Black dean of the Desautels Faculty of Management, Yolande E. Chan, congratulated the graduates and delivered a powerful message of empowerment and leadership, urging them to drive positive change.
Dean Chan's words resonated strongly: “You represent the pinnacle of Black excellence. Yes, it’s you leading. It’s you making the difference. It’s you at the front of the class. I want you to use your voices to inspire change and create a more just and inclusive society."