APRIL/MAY 2017
Sophomore Rite of Sankofa Dressed in Africaninspired attire, faculty and administrators held the annual Rite of Sankofa event recently in the Performing Arts Center.
B-CU administrators and staff raise their arms at the close of the alma mater during Rites of Sankofa ceremony.
The word “Sankofa” is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The literal translation is that” You must reach back to reclaim that which is lost in order to move forward.” It is a metaphorical symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana, generally depicted as a bird with its head turned backward taking an egg from its back, according to Sankofa.org. During the program, which is a mid-point celebration for sophomores, students received stoles. Attendees also were treated to music and poetry.
A baby sleeps peacefully during the program.
The Rev. Dr. Randolph Bracy Jr. helps a student with a stole signaling his transition.
Class of 2017 ready to "depart and serve"
As the school comes to an end this year, the class of 2017 graduates to depart to serve in the desired role that they studied so hard. We couldn’t help to but to ask some of the graduates what is the next step after graduation and also ask about their experience at Bethune-Cookman University. By Somer Harris Correspondent Kaylin Johnson is a graduating senior, who majored in political science with emphasis in youth development. The Washington, D.C., native says he’s looking forward to marching in May, especially after looking back on his freshman year. “I hated it because I was Johnson far away from home but after while it was cool,” Johnson said during a recent interview. While here at B-CU he joined several clubs and organizations including the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) Wildcat Club, the SAB and the campus chapter of the NCAAP to be more involved on campus. “Overall my B-CU experience has been a roller-coaster. Some days are good and some are bad, but I had an amazing time here. The only thing I would change is being more on top of my academics,” he said.
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photos by Jaimee Cobb
DeVos named as speaker for upcoming graduation
By Voice Staff
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017
The countdown has begun for this year’s commencement set for noon Wednesday, May 10 at the Ocean Center. Betsy DeVos, secretary for the U.S. Department of Education, will be the keynote speaker. DeVos is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a community activist, as well as wife of entrepreneur and billionaire philanthropist Dick DeVos. The invitation has drawn criticism from some students and alumni. In a letter that went out to the campus, President Edison Jackson acknowledged them. “I understand your concerns, and I genuinely appreciate your willingness to voice those in a constructive manner…. As a veteran educator, I am especially sensitive to balancing the notion of academic freedom with quelling potentially hateful and harmful rhetoric,” Jackson said.
OPINION SEE PAGE 2
While some 11 a.m. Rehearsal for The Service of Consecration colleges have Location: Candidates meet in the Band Room (Music rescinded Building) invitations, MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 he said, he 5 p.m. Candidates Meet in the Band room for Line-Up does not plan (Music Building) to follow that 7 p.m. The Service of Consecration path. “I am of Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall the belief that it The Candlelight Wreath Laying Ceremony (Immediately following the Service of Consecration) does not benefit our students to TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017 suppress voices Rehearsal for the Commencement Ceremony that we disagree with, or to limit students 9 a.m. - Deans to only those perspectives that are broadly 9:30 a.m. - Faculty Marshals and Volunteers 10 a.m. - Candidates sanctioned by a specific community. If our Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach students are robbed of the opportunities to 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 experience and interact with views that may 4 p.m. The President’s Reception in Honor of Graduates be different from their own, then they will Location: Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center be tremendously less equipped for the de7 p.m. The School of Nursing Pinning Convocation mands of democratic citizenship,” he said. Location: Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, Chapel, White Hall To the right is a schedule of events leading up to commencement
FEATURES SEE PAGE 4-5
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017 12 NOON The Commencement Ceremony Candidates are to arrive at the Ocean Center at 9 a.m. Location: The Ocean Center Daytona Beach 101 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
COMMUNITY SEE PAGE 6
SPORTS SEE PAGE 7