18th Annual African/ African American Graduation
Open to All
The Annual African American Graduation ceremony is a pre-commencement celebration honoring African and African American students who, through unyielding determination, have successfully completed an Associate Degree and/or Certificate from a Peralta Community College. The ceremony represents African and African American culture & heritage and embraces the values of community and scholarship. This celebration is open to all Peralta students.
Graduation Date:
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am
Location:
Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church, 408 W. MacArthur Blvd. Oakland
The ceremony will begin promptly at 11:00 am. No tickets are required for entry. COVID-19 protocols will be observed.
Graduate Information
Arrival Time: 9:00 am, check-in.
Attire: Dress to Impress. Please wear your cap and gown.
Items to Purchase: Kente sashes will be available before the ceremony for $10.00.
A continental breakfast will be provided for graduates only from 8:30 to 10:00 am sharp. Must register your name to be in the African American graduation program by Friday, May 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Student Speaker Interest Form
We are seeking students who are passionate about sharing their story, inspiring others, and reflecting the spirit of perseverance, cultural pride, and purpose. Selected speakers will have the opportunity to address graduates, families, faculty, and community members during this powerful and memorable celebration. Whether your journey has been shaped by overcoming challenges, leadership, community impact, or academic excellence, your voice matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any student from College of Alameda, Laney College, Berkeley City College, and Merritt College who has completed requirements for a Certificate and/or Associate’s degree. Summer 2024/2025; Fall 2024/2025; Spring 2025/2026.
Disclaimer: We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this graduation list. However, due to processing timelines, some eligible graduates may not be included. We sincerely apologize for any unintentional omissions and celebrate all students who have achieved this important milestone.
Students must RSVP to africangrad@peralta.edu before Friday, May 8th.
408 W. MacArthur Blvd. Oakland @ Webster Street
(across the street from Mosswood Park)
No tickets are needed, but space is limited.
There is limited parking in the church parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicapped accessible parking is available.
All graduates are expected to wear their campus cap & gown.
- Kente Sash, available for purchase at the ceremony and beforehand for $10
A photographer will be on site to capture individual photos for purchase.
- Size 5 x 7 for $20. Payment methods: Zelle, CashApp, and Venmo, and will be readily available within 5-10 minutes.
Questions? Please contact one of the following committee members:
- Berkeley City College: Carolyn J. Martin (cjmartin@peralta.edu)
- College of Alameda: Edwin Ochong (eochong@peralta.edu)
- Laney College: Douglass Cobb (dcobb@peralta.edu)
- Merritt College: Rose Allen (cjallen@peralta.edu)









