Bowie State University Commencement Highlights

 

Presidential Medal Awardee Acceptance Speech Highlights:

As you progress in life, take some time to spend on your knees. The trials of life will knock you down. BUT, if you're on your knees, you won't fall too far. No matter where/how you fall, God will be with you to help you up.

Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson) Acceptance Speech Highlights:

In everything you do, take the utmost care.you never know how your interactions will impact people.

Michelle Obama (Keynote Speaker) 

(Above: FLOTUS walking to the podium)

(Above: FLOTUS hearing the proclamation being read)

(Above: FLOTUS having her honorary doctorate of laws hood put on)

(Above: FLOTUS having her honorary doctorate of laws hood put on)

(Above: FLOTUS being called "Dr. Obama" as the crowd roars)

(Above: FLOTUS speaking)

  

(Above: FLOTUS speaking)

Speech Highlights Below:

History Lesson

• Bowie was founded two years AFTER the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
• We have come a long way; BUT, DONT FORGET (she painted the picture of the struggle for blacks to be educated):
  • Ppl died (or were beat up)
  • Books, maps, blackboards, etc. were oftentimes a luxury
  • Properties were destroyed
  • Hand me down materials were used to teach blacks

• Ppl we're hungry for an education and equality (both for themselves and the community at-large)
  • Thurgood Marshall
  • MLK
  • Little Rock Nine
  • Ruby Bridges
• OBTAINING EDUCATION WAS A MATTER OF LIFE & DEATH

Obligations of a Graduate

• As a community, we need to reclaim this hunger for the pursuit of education
  • 1 in 5 Af-Ams have a college degree
  • On average, Af Am women with college degrees live six (6) years longer than those without the degree
    • Blk men=10 years more
• REACH BACK, PULL FORWARD
  • We all need to be involved in our education (and the education of our youth)
    • If you don't like what you see, get involved and change it
    • Encourage others to do the same
    • Don't watch idly (or speak without acting)
  • Be an example of excellence in your community
  • Rebuke the notion a black child with a book is trying to "act white"
• Remember those who came before and honor them with your life
  • FLOTUS mentioned her father working for the city in a blue-collar manual labor position while living with MS
    • He got dressed for work despite disability (and didn't complain)
    • He took out a loan to pay his portion of her tuition
    • She is forever thankful for her parents' sacrifice for her education & upbringing