Honoring the Class of 2021 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Ruth Simmons, the principal speaker at Harvard University's 2021 commencement, calls on graduates to embrace diversity, advocate for justice, and address historic biases and inequities. She emphasizes the importance of universities using their power and influence to support historically marginalized institutions and communities, and urges the graduates to take up the cause of justice in their personal and professional lives.

Key Insights

• 🥹 The graduation ceremony was held virtually due to the global pandemic, emphasizing the challenges and uncertainties faced by the graduating class.
• 🖤 Ruth Simmons highlights the importance of historically Black and minority-serving institutions in providing access and opportunities to underserved communities.
• 🤙 She calls on Harvard University to support and collaborate with these institutions to address the historic inequities in education.
• 👨‍⚖️ Ruth Simmons encourages graduates to advocate for justice, equality, and inclusivity in their personal and professional lives.

Transcript

(whistling) (band playing) (band playing) (crowd cheering) (band playing) (crowd cheering) (band playing) (cheering) (band playing) (band playing) (cheers and applause) (crowd chanting): Strong as he can be! (band playing) (crowd chanting): Watch out for that tree! (crowd chanting) (band playing) (band playing) (crowd singing) (band playing) (crowd... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Ruth Simmons feel during her early days at Harvard?

Ruth Simmons felt like an outsider and struggled with feelings of inadequacy due to her background and the lack of representation and inclusivity at the university.

Q: What responsibility does Ruth Simmons believe universities have?

Ruth Simmons believes that universities have a responsibility to actively address historic biases and inequities, support minority-serving institutions, and advocate for equal educational opportunities.

Q: What does Ruth Simmons ask graduates to do?

Ruth Simmons asks graduates to use their voices to advocate for justice, support underprivileged communities and schools, and fight against discrimination and inequality.

Q: What lessons does Ruth Simmons hope graduates will learn from their Harvard education?

Ruth Simmons hopes that graduates will learn to appreciate diversity, mediate differences, and embrace fairness and inclusivity in their interactions with others.

Summary

This video is from Harvard University's graduation ceremony. The video features speeches from various speakers, including Ruth Simmons, a former university president, and performances by talented students and personnel. The video celebrates the achievements of the graduating class of 2021.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is Ruth Simmons?

Ruth Simmons is a former university president and the principal speaker in the video. She was born in Texas and had a successful academic career, becoming the president of Smith College and later Brown University. She is known for her advocacy for education and fairness.

Q: What is Prairie View A&M University?

Prairie View A&M University is an institution founded in 1876 that serves primarily African American and minority students. Located on the former site of a plantation, the university has a historical and cultural significance. It is dedicated to providing access to education and promoting success, equity, and opportunity.

Q: What is the history of Harvard University?

Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, with a history dating back to 1636. It has played a significant role in shaping the academic landscape and has produced numerous influential alumni. The institution has faced challenges and has gradually become more inclusive and diverse over time.

Q: What is the purpose of the graduation ceremony?

The graduation ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of the graduating class and marks the transition from academic life to the next phase of their lives. It is a time to recognize their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. The ceremony also serves as an opportunity for speakers to provide insights, inspiration, and words of wisdom to the graduates.

Q: What did Ruth Simmons talk about in her speech?

Ruth Simmons addressed the graduates and shared her personal journey and challenges in becoming the principal speaker. She reflected on the significance of the occasion and the responsibility graduates have to make a positive impact on the world. She emphasized the importance of education, empathy, and fairness in creating a better future.

Q: What are historically Black and minority-serving institutions?

Historically Black and minority-serving institutions are colleges and universities that were established primarily to serve African American and minority communities. These institutions have played a crucial role in providing education and opportunities to underrepresented groups. They have a rich history and continue to contribute to the advancement of equality and equity in higher education.

Q: What is the significance of the Prairie View A&M University campus?

The Prairie View A&M University campus holds historical and cultural significance due to its location on the former Alta Vista Plantation, where enslaved people were once held. The campus serves as a reminder of the struggles and suffering of African Americans in the past. It also symbolizes the ongoing commitment to education and social progress.

Q: How did Ruth Simmons overcome challenges and discrimination?

Ruth Simmons overcame challenges and discrimination throughout her life by persevering and demonstrating her worthiness. Despite growing up in a segregated society, she pursued education and achieved academic success, eventually becoming the president of prestigious universities. Her accomplishments stand as a testament to her resilience and determination.

Q: What is the role of historically Black and minority-serving institutions in society?

Historically Black and minority-serving institutions play a vital role in society by providing education and opportunities to underrepresented communities. They serve as platforms for social mobility, foster community engagement, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding. These institutions help bridge the educational gap and promote diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Q: What message did Ruth Simmons deliver to the graduating class?

Ruth Simmons delivered a message of hope, responsibility, and action to the graduating class. She encouraged them to use their knowledge, discernment, and empathy to contribute to the world and uplift those less fortunate. She acknowledged the challenges of the present time but emphasized the graduates' capacity to create positive change and make a difference in society.

Takeaways

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2021 at Harvard University. Speeches were given by Ruth Simmons and other notable speakers, highlighting the importance of education, fairness, equity, and social progress. The inclusion of performances by talented students added to the uplifting and celebratory atmosphere of the event. The video serves as a reminder of the power of education and the potential of graduates to make a positive impact on the world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ruth Simmons reflects on her own journey as a first-generation student and the challenges she faced as an outsider at Harvard.

• She emphasizes the importance of universities providing access and opportunities to historically marginalized groups.

• She calls on graduates to use their voices and advocate for justice, stand up against discrimination and inequality, and support underfunded schools and minority-serving institutions.