these black graduates will make you smile and give you all the feels

A hundred years ago, for most black Americans, it was down-right inconceivable to be a black college graduate. And even though the world is in a precarious time, it is a better place with a more hopeful future because of you. So to celebrate the 2018 graduation season we wanted to shout out a few of you grads who worked so hard to get to this point, survived off of non-perishable food items, and spent countless hours studying junk you know good and well you’ll never need to know again. You guys are amazing.

Now hurry up and save the world with your brilliant ideas.

When you’re an educated, proud, queer Afro-Latina 🎓🇩🇴🏳️‍🌈 #ClassOf2018 pic.twitter.com/OpqOEY7eRK

— that bitch (@cunnilinguiist) May 1, 2018

I was told by some, “are you sure this is what you want to pursue?” and by others, “you are definitely talented.” There were people who constantly doubted me, and people who saw my abilities. Some professors even attempted to fail me even when I accomplished everything asked of me, but I pushed through. I used everything that was being put in front of me as an opportunity to further my craft, my knowledge, and overall my confidence. Looking back on all the things that happened, all the people I met, all the trials I was put through, I can honestly thank God for guiding me through everything. I would also like to thank all the family who supported me mentally, emotionally, and financially because without their help I wouldn’t have been able to make it here. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone else, especially my friends, that kept me sane after all the stressful nights in studio, it was relief having someone to talk to about the things going on and how you felt about everything. I can now say that I will be a 2018 Graduate from Louisiana State University, and now it’s time for the next chapter of my life. #classof2018 #foreverlsu #collegegrad #lsu #nextchapter

A post shared by Zeadrick Williams (@nxtlvl_creativity) on May 8, 2018 at 10:47am PDT

My story to say the least. I went from: 2.0s to no less than 3.4 per semester, no internships to full time offers before and after my military contract, losing a scholarship to getting it back plus more, “Will I graduate? to “Momma I’m cleared for graduation”. #TU17Part2 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/V9JuqylqIk

— big daddy. (@OhhhGeee) May 3, 2018

I began this journey 5 years ago, and it’s been one hell of a ride. One thing that I have learned in my time at Old Dominion University is that there is no time table for success. Graduation day is here 🎓. pic.twitter.com/LcbpcEQo6M

— Patrick Martin (@MartyMarrr__) May 4, 2018

— BLACK AND PROUD (@BAP_US) May 6, 2018

That boy done graduated!!!!!! 😩😩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾Thank you SVA for all the lessons learned and the experience and now to put them to good use and making a career and becoming a successful illustrator.. its a long road and tough journey as you have competition but I have faith. God bless you all and all my fellow classmates Love you guys!! #sva #svagrad #graduation #2018graduate

A post shared by Justin Mayes (@egyptian_links) on May 7, 2018 at 9:51pm PDT

Today I officially graduated from The Florida State University! ❤️💛 #BlackExcellence pic.twitter.com/B3UlK5gwbP

— Prissy (@angieloveex3) May 5, 2018

It’s time be OWT… Here’s to 5 years of shamming and Cum Laude Honors ! #BruhzGraduateToo

A post shared by 🇩🇴 Dominican Papì 🌴 (@hotboyjose) on May 8, 2018 at 8:44am PDT

Isn’t this what y’all was waiting for? 😏😈 #GRADlove #GREEKlove #JUKElove #PRETTYlove #HBCUlove #TAURUSlove #KLUBlove #2020VISION #BLACKlove #AKAΨ #SkeeYo #DiamondsAndPearls #DrumMajor #DancingDoll #WhatBack #AlphaKappaAlpha #BetaPsi #KappaAlphaPsi #AlphaSigma #SouthernUniversity #Spring18GRAD #MechanicalEngineering #BusinessMarketingandSales #GodsPlan #GodsHands #WTYgrads #TSRgradz #BMFAIRYTALE 🐰👌🏽♦️💕💚🐸 SHOUTOUT TO @bigcjeezy_ behind the lens 📸

A post shared by Maya A. Wilson G. (@mayaangelle) on May 1, 2018 at 1:01pm PDT

Graduating from Duke University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and I could not be more proud of myself😊 #ForeverDuke #BlackExcellence pic.twitter.com/7iiQ0xDBgK

— Jordan (@Jordan_p34) May 2, 2018

“I’m The Rose That Came From The Concrete and Arose, I’m Like Gold, I’m Like GOALS”…🌹

-Parking Tickets

-Sleepless Nights

-Countless Drives to Houston

-Success/Failure

GRADUATION 👩🏽‍🎓#UNT

May 11th
4pm UNT COLISEUM pic.twitter.com/v4t6goX14t

— Rheyoncé✨ (@TRD_Rhegan) May 7, 2018

22.
When your birthday is during graduation week. I’m giving myself my gift on Saturday.

May 7th. pic.twitter.com/0WCA7m58BS

— turk. (@aturkk_) May 7, 2018