Grandma, Granddaughter Graduate Together At Chicago State

CHICAGO, IL — A grandmother and granddaughter crossed the stage together at the Chicago State University commencement Thursday night at the South Side school. Belinda Berry, a 62-year-old grandmother got her diploma a few steps ahead of her 25-year-old granddaughter Karea Berry. The Berrys now make up a group of just more than 1,000 - out of about 26,000 residents of Englewood - who have four-year degrees in the neighborhood, according to a news release from the school.

“We didn’t plan it this way, but often in black families, as a result of the economy and low-income, we have to prioritize and make decisions that work best for our families at the time,” Belinda said.

Belinda graduated with a 3.8 GPA, Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Karea had a 3.4 GPA and has a degree in criminal justice. She will soon take an examination in hopes of becoming a Chicago police officer.

They both plan to immediately enroll in graduate programs at Chicago State. Less than 600 residents of Englewood have master's degrees, according to the school.

Photo via Chicago State University