Black leaders give 2008 graduates words of hope and encouragement.

Author(s):Christina McGairk. Source:Jet 113.25 (June 30, 2008): p18(3). (895 words)
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Many graduates recently turned their tassels, signifying the transition from typical college life to shocking reality.

The real world doesn't come with a book of instructions, but there's always a tour guide to lead graduates in the right direction. Blacks renowned in politics, activism and the arts offered encouraging sentiments and gems of wisdom at commencement ceremonies across the United States.

BARACK OBAMA

Wesleyan University

United States senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama addressed the Wesleyan University Class of Spring 2008 at Middleton. CT:

"You can take your diploma, walk off this stage and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things that our money culture says you should buy. You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't.

CICELY TYSON

Bethune-Cookman University

Legendary actress Cicely Tyson spoke at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL, where she also received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. She expressed how Dr. King's vision has been carried out today:

"Dream, dream, dream, Dr. Martin Luther King did, and today we are looking at one of his dreams evolving. I never dreamed that I would see a day when a Black man would be campaigning for the office of president. Where a woman would be campaigning for the office of president. Either way it goes, history will be made."

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

Central State University

Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund and activist Marian Wright Edelman encouraged Central State graduates to continue to work hard and diligently.

"Your degree can get you into some doors but it won't get you to the top of the career ladder and it won't keep you there. You have to continue to work hard and continuously and don't ever be lazy. Do your homework, pay attention to detail, take care and pride in your work, and take the initiative in creating your own opportunity."

CHRISTOPHER GARDNER

Hampton University

Christopher Gardner, whose life was portrayed in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, and CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings, had this to say to the Hampton University graduates:

"I was raised to believe you could do or be anything you want to be. I made up my mind as a young man. I wanted to be world class at something."

BILL COSBY

North Carolina A&T State University

Well-known actor and comedian Bill Cosby was granted an honorary Doctorate of Humanities. He offered a verbal helping hand to A&T's Class of 2008 at the end of his speech:

"I know where the bridge is out. I'm pointing you away from it."

EARL GRAVES

Bethune-Cookman University

Earl Graves, chairman and publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine, had this to say to Bethune-Cookman University's Class of 2008:

"Professionalism is not about making a fashion statement. Make YOUR statement by expressing ideas sharply and effectively. Make it by showing up early and staying as long as it takes to get the job done. Make it by having the answer before your boss even thinks to ask the question."

TOM JOYNER

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Nationally syndicated radio show host Tom Joyner received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree and addressed the graduates:

"You are starting a new chapter in your life. You're not just a college graduate period, you're a college graduate comma. And it's up to you to put something behind that comma ... When you are surrounded by people who know your capabilities and believe in your capabilities, you're more likely to rise to the occasion."

MAXINE WATERS

Dillard University

California Congresswoman Maxine Waters received an honorary degree and had this to say to Dillard's graduating class:

"The point is, as your elders can attest, that life doesn't unfold the way we think it will. Both for better and for worse."

MATHEW KNOWLES

Fisk University

Mathew Knowles, father of singer Beyonce and the president and CEO of Music World Entertainment, was given the honor of Doctor of Human Letters. He shared this with the students at his alma mater:

"To the class of 2008, never stop dreaming. If there's one thing that I learned here at Fisk, it was to dream. It's going to be often that people don't understand your vision. Sometimes it will be your best friend that doesn't understand your vision or your dream. Don't let that deter you."

ANDREW YOUNG

Bennett College

Civil rights activist and former U.S. Congressman Andrew Young gave a speech to Bennett College's graduating class and received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree. He told students how God helped him find his purpose in life.

"God can't have made everything with a purpose except me. As sorry and trifling and lazy and irresponsible as I had been up to that point, God still had a plan for me too and that was my vision. The vision that God put me here for a purpose. I did not know the purpose, did not care but I was convinced God places a dream in this world that only applies to you. I didn't know what that dream was but I knew there was something in this world for me and so the same applies to you."

Christina McGairk

JET MAGAZINE

Source Citation:McGairk, Christina. "Black leaders give 2008 graduates words of hope and encouragement.(EDUCATION)." Jet 113.25 (June 30, 2008): 18(3). General OneFile. Gale. North Carolina A&T State Univ. 5 Aug. 2008