UC's Tyehimba celebrates 'victory lap' for graduates

The University of Cincinnati celebrated Tyehimba at Fifth Third Arena on Saturday as part of its annual spring commencement celebration.

Tyehimba is UC’s annual Afrocentric graduation celebration to acknowledge the achievements of students and express gratitude to the student’s families and UC faculty and staff. The word “Tyehimba” means “we stand as a nation” in Swahili. It’s celebrated at UC and other universities as part of commencement. The event was sponsored by UC’s African American Cultural & Resource Center with the theme this year of “victory lap.”

Tyehimba features African music and singing, dancing, speeches and a presentation of the graduates. The event opened with a universal prayer by Bleuzette Marshall, vice president of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact at UC.

Longtime UC mentor Eric Abercrumbie, who is retiring this year, participated in the festivities. The Tyehimba Ensemble provided the music.  

This year’s ceremony recognized UC undergraduate student Mical Daniel in the Carl H. Lindner College of Business and graduate student Leland Brown III, a master’s student in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services.