HBCU Graduation flexes with Boots on the Ground dance. Virginia State University’s 2025 commencement ceremonies turned into unforgettable celebrations of HBCU culture and unity on Saturday as graduates in both ceremonies broke into the viral “Boots on the Ground” dance—sparked by a surprise moment led by VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. The university held two commencement exercises inside the VSU Multipurpose Center. The morning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. honored graduates from the College of E