In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, achievement, and community, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education held its annual Black Student Graduation at the Louden Nelson Community Center on May 25, 2024. The event, initiated 25 years ago by five determined Black mothers, has blossomed into a cornerstone of the community, fostering visibility, unity, and inspiration among Black students across the county.
The celebration kicked off with the County Superintendent of Schools, Faris Sabbah, welcoming 19 graduates and their guests ahead of their respective high schools’ graduation ceremonies. Followed up by an exceptional keynote speech from United Way of Santa Cruz County CEO, Keisha Browder.
Throughout the emotional ceremony, Browder included personal touches that resonated with many audience members. While emphasizing the importance of creating a legacy and a lasting impact in your hometown and beyond, Browder reminisced about her elementary school days. Her principal regularly encouraged students to sing Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All.” This song, particularly the line, “No matter what they take from me, they can’t take away my dignity,” instilled a sense of pride and resilience in the students, a message that continues to inspire.
The excitement continued as graduates were asked to look under their chairs to find their “Bag of Legacy.” This thoughtful gift bag included a voter registration card, symbolizing the power and importance of their voices; a pearl paperweight, to inspire them as they learn they must share their “pearls of wisdom;” and aromatherapy products, underscoring the necessity of self-care. Additionally, an invitation to join Bay Federal Credit Union was included, announcing a $300 checking account in each graduate’s name, marking the beginning of their journey towards financial independence and security.
The partnership between the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Bay Federal Credit Union, and generous donors is particularly noteworthy. This collaboration not only provides a tangible financial boost but also offers essential financial wellness resources and coaching. Bay Federal’s history of fostering economic empowerment aligns perfectly with the goals of the Black Student Graduation. By offering financial education services and products, Bay Federal encourages young adults to think differently about their finances, fostering habits leading to generational wealth and economic stability.
The purpose of these accounts goes beyond a simple monetary gift. It becomes a tool for economic empowerment, connecting young adults with trusted financial specialists who can guide them in savings, investments, and budgeting.
This milestone event was made possible thanks to the generous contributions of several sponsors, including the NAACP Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Black Health Matters Initiative, Santa Cruz Black, Madlyn Norman Terrance & Friends, Brenda Whitley, Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law, Bay Federal Credit Union, and United Way of Santa Cruz County. Their support ensures that each graduate starts their next chapter with not just a sense of accomplishment, but also a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
A special acknowledgment is owed to Dr. Faris Sabbah, the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, who was instrumental in organizing the graduation event and coordinating efforts across school districts. His dedication and leadership have been crucial in ensuring the success of this annual celebration.
As these graduates embark on their new journeys, they do so with the backing of a community that believes in their potential and is committed to their success. The Santa Cruz County Black Student Graduation stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of visibility, and the enduring impact of a supportive and empowering environment.
For more information about the program, interested parties can contact the Santa Cruz County Office of Education.
To find tools and resources to support your own financial independence, visit bayfed.com/financial-wellness.
About Bay Federal Credit Union
Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 86,000 members and 2,400 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.
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