Friday, June 12, 2026
Ottawa Black Community Celebrates Graduates of the Class of 2026
by Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Imniative reporter
A spirit of pride, encouragement, and collective responsibility filled the air on Friday, June 12, 2026, as community members, educators and families gathered for Walk with Excellence, an annual celebration honouring Black high school graduates across the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
More than a graduation event, Walk with Excellence has become a community tradition, one that recognizes not only academic achievement but also the resilience and support systems that help Black students reach this important milestone. Participants walked together from Lisgar High School to Ottawa University Square.
At University Square, the celebration continued with music, networking, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving Black communities. The event’s organizer, Adrienne Coddett of the Be More community of Three Dreads and a Bald Head, reflected on the significance of the annual gathering and the message it sends to young people.
“We gather annually and walk either in their honour, or we walk for them, or we walk with them,” she said. “We do this ceremonially as a way to show them that they’re loved by our community, that we understand the journey and what it’s taken for them to get to this day, and that we surround and embrace them with love as they move forward.”
Coddett explained that the symbolic journey from a secondary school environment to a post-secondary setting is intentional.
“The ceremonial act of leaving from a high school, crossing the bridge, and arriving at a post-secondary opportunity reinforces the message that their future is a journey they walk with the community,” she said.
She also emphasized that the event is designed not only to celebrate graduates but to strengthen connections between young people and the broader community.
“All of these community members come from different aspects of my life and my work as an educator and community advocate,” she said. “I put the call out, and these are the people who answer. We want adults to understand that our young people are assets and that bringing youthful thinking into these spaces helps us create opportunities that support their growth and well-being.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of Gianna Gallimore, a member of the Black Student Association at St. Joseph High School, who received the Dr. Mitchell Walker Scholar Award. Gianna, who has been accepted into the School of Social Work at Carleton University, was celebrated for her academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service.
The event also highlighted the importance of building a strong ecosystem of support for Black students beyond graduation. Representatives from numerous community organizations shared information about programs, mentorship opportunities, leadership initiatives, employment supports, and educational resources available to young people and their families.
Adrienne Coddett took time to acknowledge the contributions of the Black Educators’ Network within the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), as well as members of the University of Ottawa community, for their continued support of Black students and their presence at University Square.
One of the central goals of Walk with Excellence is to ensure that graduates leave not only celebrated but also connected to opportunities and resources that can help them thrive in the years ahead.
DJ Molimo of Pass the Vibes added a festive atmosphere that encouraged dancing, conversation, and community connection. Pass the Vibes is known for fostering an ecosystem of Black and queer DJs in Ottawa.
