DeKALB | Distinguished black students will be recognized at the 18th annual Black Graduate Recognition Program at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Altgeld Hall auditorium.

The program, free and open to the public, recognizes students graduating in May, August or December, and will feature Congressman Danny K. Davis, representative from the 7th Congressional District of Illinois, as the keynote speaker.

The program was created to recognize students for their accomplishments both in and outside of the classroom.

“It is to recognize students for academic achievements,” said LaVerne Gyant, director of the Center for Black Studies. “It is to celebrate students who have been successful despite the odds.”

Among those recognized are students who have completed the black studies minor, the Survive and success program and recipients for the directors award for outstanding service to the university and surrounding communities.

“It is for the quiet leaders, for people who are overlooked by the rest,” Gyant said. “It is the tradition of African people to celebrate the accomplishments of each other.”

The program is sponsored by BROTHERS, Sigma Gamma Rho, SISTERS and the Center for Black Studies.