Kushinda

Forever Celebrating Your Accomplishments

Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje is a signature event hosted by OHIO’s Multicultural Center and Division of Diversity and Inclusion that unites our community to celebrate the degree completion of our multicultural undergraduate and graduate students. Students who graduated in Fall 2024 and those graduating in Spring 2025 are invited to attend. We are excited to applaud our multicultural students’ accomplishments!

Save the Date

Join us for a mixer on Friday, April 25 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 p.m. EST, Location: TBA to celebrate our Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates. The formal Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje ceremony will follow on Friday, May 2 starting at 7:00 pm in the Baker Ballroom.

The event will include a march of graduates, and each graduate will be recognized. All graduates are asked to wear their graduation regalia during the event. Those who choose will receive their Kente or serape cloth to wear during their commencement ceremonies. At this time, we are only offering Kente Stoles & Serapes, and suggest students order personalized stoles online as early as possible before the event. 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Kushinda Registration

What does Kushinda and Ritos de Pasaje mean?

“Kushinda” is a Swahili term meaning “victorious.” Ritos de Pasaje" means Rites of Passage and are initiations in the Latin/Hispanic tradition leading individuals through significant stages of life.

Both rituals seek to commemorate the existence and rich cultural histories of people of Black and Latinx descent. The Kushinda/Ritos de Pasaje celebration acknowledges the sacrifices of those who came before us and unifies us in ensuring the continued success of those who will come after us.

Planning Committee Members

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank the Kushinda/Ritos De Pasaje planning committee for their contributions to ensuring a successful celebration.

2024-2025 Committee Members

• Acie Clayborne– Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
• Courtney Burton – Administrative Services Associate, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
• Lisa Flowers-Clements – Director of The Multicultural Center, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
• Alison Moore – Assistant Director, Peer Mentor Programs and Student Support, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
• Demi Ward - Student Representative
• Joy Foi - Student Representative

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