CBS discusses commencement

Haley Tsukayama Staff Writer

At a recent Vassar Student Association (VSA) Council meeting, representatives from the Council of Black Seniors brought up a potential proposal regarding the African Violets. According to remarks made by Council of Black Seniors leaders at the April 3 VSA meeting, the preliminary proposal allegedly suggests that the African Violets participate in the Commencement processional this year. The representatives said the proposal will be submitted to Dean of the College J.J. Jackson for approval.

The African Violets, selected by the Council of Black Seniors, have been part of the Council’s activities since its early years. The Council of Black Seniors was created in 1990 and was originally called the Black Commencement Committee.

Students created the organization in response to concerns that the College’s end of the year ceremonies neglected the needs of black students.

The description of the African Violets in the 2001 Vassarion is as follows: “Chosen by the Council of Black Seniors, the African Violets are representative of the abundance of Black beauty found at Vassar College.”

Representatives from the Council of Black Seniors said at the previous VSA meeting that the current Violets are selected early in the year through an application process. All those who apply are accepted as long as their application demonstrates that their interest in the group is sincere.
Students of any race or class year can be Violets. The responsibilities of the African Violets, similar to those of the Vassar Daisy Chain, are to participate in Senior Week activities. The Violets are also instrumental in the Council of Black Seniors Baccalaureate Service.

The proposal is still in rough draft form, and may be shown to VSA council representatives once its content has been finalized.