Chadwick Boseman's powerful Howard University commencement speech (FULL) | USA TODAY

TL;DR

Actor delivers a powerful commencement speech, reflecting on his experiences and encouraging graduates to embrace their purpose and fight for their dreams.

Transcript

[Applause] first giving honor to the creator and my ancestors on whose shoulders i stand happy mother's day to my mom she is not here in attendance but but by tomorrow she will have seen this let me also acknowledge my professors who have passed on to the other side because of work obligations over the past few years i miss memorials that were held... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Howard University holds a special place in the speaker's heart, and he values the transformative experiences and struggles he faced there.
• 🙈 Protests at the university are seen as moments of accomplishment, as they demonstrate students' willingness to fight for a better institution and improve the world around them.
• 🔇 The entertainment industry perpetuates stereotypes and limits opportunities for positive representation, but the speaker encourages individuals to challenge and change these narratives.
• ❓ Purpose and passion should be prioritized over financial success in choosing a career path.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role did protests play in shaping the speaker's perspective on activism and education?

The speaker mentions participating in protests during his time at Howard University and expresses admiration for the recent protests by current students. He believes that activism and struggle with the university demonstrate the skills students have learned and their commitment to making the institution better.

Q: How did the speaker's experience in the entertainment industry challenge his ideals and beliefs?

The speaker recounts an incident where he questioned the portrayal of his character and confronted the producers about the lack of positive representation. Unfortunately, he lost the role but realized that sometimes getting knocked down can ignite a greater passion for fighting against systemic biases and injustices.

Q: How does the speaker encourage graduates to approach their future careers?

The speaker advises graduates to prioritize purpose over simply pursuing a job or career. He suggests that setbacks and failures should be seen as opportunities for growth and that finding meaning and fulfillment in their chosen path is more important than monetary success.

Q: What message does the speaker convey about God's role in one's journey?

The speaker references a Bible verse and emphasizes that God has a plan for each individual's life. He believes that when obstacles arise, God will remove the barriers and guide individuals toward their destined purpose if they are willing to take the harder, more meaningful path.

Key Insights:

• Howard University holds a special place in the speaker's heart, and he values the transformative experiences and struggles he faced there.
• Protests at the university are seen as moments of accomplishment, as they demonstrate students' willingness to fight for a better institution and improve the world around them.
• The entertainment industry perpetuates stereotypes and limits opportunities for positive representation, but the speaker encourages individuals to challenge and change these narratives.
• Purpose and passion should be prioritized over financial success in choosing a career path.
• Trusting in God's plan and embracing challenges can lead to greater personal growth, victory, and fulfillment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker begins by thanking and honoring his ancestors, professors, and the university for the privilege of speaking at the graduation ceremony.

• He talks about the magic and transformative power of Howard University, emphasizing the challenges and struggles students face to reach the "hilltop."

• The speaker discusses protests at the university and the importance of fighting for equality and improvement, both within the institution and in society.

• He shares a personal story of facing stereotypes and discrimination in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need to challenge and change the narratives that perpetuate negative portrayals of marginalized communities.

• The speaker concludes by urging graduates to find their purpose, embrace challenges, and trust in God's plan for their lives.