Dr. Ngozi Ezike Celebrates Graduates During Black Achievements Ceremony

Dr. Ngozi Ezike spoke of her ties to Dominican University and celebrated graduates, calling them their “ancestors’ wildest dreams,” during the 2022 Black Achievements Ceremony on April 25.

Ezike, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, shared that she brought her four children to the campus every Saturday for Igbo language classes.

“Routinely and religiously we came here, and they shared not just the language, but the culture of the Igbo people so we would know the culture, pass it on to our children and make sure it persisted,” Ezike said of the instructors.

The first Black woman to lead the Illinois Department of Public Health in its 143-year history, Ezike gained local and national prominence as she guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic, appearing daily in televised news conferences in its early weeks.

An internist and pediatrician who also worked for Cook County Health prior to joining IDPH, Ezike is headed to Sinai Chicago as its new president and CEO.

Ezike, who also serves on Dominican’s Center for Igbo Studies Advisory Board, credited the graduating seniors for their resiliency over the last two years amid the pandemic and the challenges of racial injustice. She also noted that many of the students being honored during the ceremony are the first in their families to graduate from college.

“You literally are your ancestors’ wildest dreams,” Ezike said. “When we think back, it was only in the 19th Century that it was illegal to teach Black people to read. You guys have gone well past that and are getting degrees. Maybe this is just one degree of other degrees you are going to get. I encourage you to continue to be that example of Black excellence — breaking down doors, shattering glass ceilings and making room behind you for others to follow suit.”

Ezike also spoke of the importance of maintaining college friendships. She shared personal examples of the continued connection she has with friends she made while a university student 30 years ago.

“These relationships are the real deal,” she said. “Treasure them, nurture them because they will carry you throughout life.”

The Black Achievements Ceremony, now in its second year, but held for the first time in-person, was hosted by the Center for Cultural Liberation. It recognized the accomplishments of graduating seniors and recipients of the Christopher Little Educational Support Grant and the Sr. Melissa Waters/Elders’ Council Scholarship. It also featured an African-influenced libation ceremony led by Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, director of Black World Studies at Dominican, remarks from graduating senior Morgan Lanton and a presentation of gifts and a kente graduation stole to each student.

“These young people today are the epitome of Black excellence because they didn’t allow society to determine to them what their potential is, could be or will be moving into the future,” said Barrington Price, vice president for student success and engagement.