Looking Back, Moving Forward: Ednovate Hosted Its First Black Family Graduation Celebration

Graduation is a milestone shaped not only by the individual effort of students, but also by the families, educators, and communities that help them reach the finish line. On May 31, Ednovate honored that collective journey at its first-ever Black Family Graduation Celebration, bringing together members of the Class of 2026 for an evening rooted in Black excellence, joy, legacy, and belonging.

Guided by the principle of Sankofa, which calls us to look back and learn from the past as we move forward, the celebration recognized graduates from Brío College Prep, USC East College Prep, USC Hybrid High College Prep, Legacy College Prep, and USC South LA College Prep. The evening invited students to celebrate where they come from while embracing the possibilities ahead.

“This celebration created a space for our students and families to see their cultures, experiences, and contributions fully honored,” said Lanira Murphy, Ednovate’s Senior Director of Academics. “Our graduates stand on the strength and wisdom of those who came before them, and they are now prepared to use their own purpose and talents to create opportunities for the generations that follow.” 

The program reflected both the significance and the joy of the occasion. Guests shared dinner before participating in a welcome and land acknowledgment, followed by “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often known as the Black National Anthem. The evening also featured a keynote address from Los Angeles educator, coach, and consultant Tarik Ross Jr., spoken word by Kyler Nathan, and attendees were provided access to "Seat at the Table,” a library of books that students were able to take with them on their journey.

Graduates’ parents and family members were also celebrated for the encouragement, sacrifice, and love they provided throughout each student’s journey. Messages from loved ones offered graduates another reminder that their accomplishments belonged to an entire community.

The event also featured two awards of distinction. The Aya Trailblazer award, given to a senior who has shown resourcefulness, perseverance, and the courage to blaze a path forward in service of their community, was presented to Ella Gonzales of USC South LA College Prep. The Sankofa Legacy Award, given to a senior committed to academics, service, and community, and grounded in the practice of lifting as they climb, was presented to Ma'Net Richardson of USC East College Prep. The Class of 2026 Parent of the Year award was presented to Ebony Davis, parent of USC East College Prep.

“Receiving this award was really eye-opening for me because it can be hard to see or measure the impact of the work you’re doing,” said Ella Gonzales, 2026 graduate of USC South LA College Prep. “Hearing how my work had helped other people was incredibly fulfilling. Being in that room with other Black graduates, alongside my friends and my college counselor, reminded me of how much we are capable of and how much we can achieve. I couldn’t have been prouder of everyone there.”

“My family and community have shaped my passion for college, the major I chose, and my commitment to giving back. The support I received started at home and continued at South LA College Prep, and it inspires the work I want to keep doing in college and beyond. To me, the future is about the people who come after you. I want to work as hard as I can to help make their path a little easier and make sure they have a place where they know they belong,” Gonzales said.

“It was beautiful, and I felt truly honored,” said Ebony Davis, a USC East College Prep parent and recipient of the Parent of the Year Award. “It meant so much to know that someone saw the hard work I’ve dedicated over the past four years and everything I’ve done to support my daughter. It felt like that hard work had paid off, and I could see it reflected in everything my daughter accomplished during those four years, too.”

The celebration concluded with a charge to the graduates: let purpose guide you, let community ground you, and let your excellence create pathways for others.

For Ednovate’s Class of 2026, the message was clear: Look back. Learn forward. Rise together.