Parents’ Pinning Ceremony LITANY

For Parents/Guardians and Graduating Seniors

Parents

Blessed sons, on behalf of the ancestors, we stand with you today to celebrate this milestone on your journey and in the life of our family.

Seniors

Mom & Dad, I want to THANK YOU for your love, your commitment, all your support and for never giving up on me! Your example has inspired me to commit to excellence in all that I do.

Parents

The way has not been easy for you son but, you have risen above obstacles and challenges to achieve greatness. Today you bring honor and pride to our family. May God’s grace go with you as you depart this sacred place; some to graduate school, some to new jobs, other to military service – that your presence will make a difference in the world.

ALL

…up from a past rooted in pain, I rise

I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise.