Background

I was assigned the role of social media manager for Black Student Union at Portland State University from 2019-2021.

In the heat of COVID-19, we decided to continue the legacy of Portland State University's Black Graduates ceremony. The ceremony became necessary to acknowledge and highlight Black students graduating from Portland State University (a campus with only 4.3% African American students). I volunteered as a solo digital engagement coordinator and event organizer for PSU's annual Black Graduation.

Outreach Methods

Mass e-mail outreach to students

Digital flyers

Social media marketing via Instagram and Facebook

Word of mouth throughout the campus

Word of mouth throughout the city of Portland

Contacting local restaurants and businesses

Communicating with the Black Studies department and the Pan African Commons

We offered a virtual event for students who could not attend in person.

Black Graduation Celebration Ceremony flyer

The celebration took place at Gateway Discovery Park

Outcome

Portland State University's 2021 Black Graduation Ceremony brought together students, professors, and community members to honor and celebrate the Black graduates for the classes of 2020 and 2021 respectively. The ceremony included food from a local Black-owned restaurant, desserts, a keynote speaker, great endless music, the community, and our ancestors. Through adversity, we were able to organize a successful event and ceremony for Black graduates.

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