Graduate English Address by Vincent H. Bish Jr. | Honoring the Harvard Class of 2021

TL;DR

Harvard students have a moral duty to honor the enslaved individuals who helped establish the university and to fight for justice in various fields, from medicine to law, in order to dismantle legacies of discrimination and inequality.

Transcript

• Because it was illegal for them to practice religion. Slaves would use a traditional kettle to pray. Prayers for freedom were often whispered into the kettles which were kept underneath the floorboards of slave cabins to keep them out of sight of their masters. Every time I walk through Wadsworth gate and see the plaque of those four lone enslave... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗄️ Slaves practiced their religion in secrecy, using traditional kettles hidden underneath the floorboards of slave cabins.
• 🥹 The speaker feels a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude towards the enslaved individuals who lived at Harvard.
• 🧑‍🎓 Harvard students have a moral duty to bring justice to various fields and rectify past injustices.
• 🤝 The speaker encourages students to disrupt systems, shake loose more fairness, and fight for justice.
• 💊 Harvard's legacy includes progressive contributions in fields like medicine and public health.
• 💦 Students must carry the name of Harvard as torchbearers for justice and work towards dismantling oppressive systems.
• 🔇 The speaker emphasizes the importance of using intellect and voice to challenge and overcome powerful forces.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why were slaves forced to hide their religious practices?

Slaves were not allowed to practice their religion, so they used traditional kettles to pray in secrecy, fearing punishment from their masters. The hidden kettles allowed them to maintain their faith.

Q: How does the speaker honor the enslaved individuals at Harvard?

The speaker wipes the names of the enslaved individuals with their fingers as a symbolic act of respect and honor. They also acknowledge their responsibility to carry their legacy and make them proud.

Q: What is the unique duty of Harvard students?

Harvard students have a moral obligation to bring justice to various fields, such as medicine, law, and clergy. They must rectify past injustices, dismantle discriminatory legacies, and advocate for the rights of the dispossessed.

Q: What is the significance of Harvard's past contributions?

Harvard has a history of leading progressive change, such as declassifying homosexuality as a mental illness and coining the term intersectionality. As an institution, Harvard has an obligation to continue pushing for meaningful and positive change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Slaves used traditional kettles to pray for freedom, hiding them under floorboards to practice their religion in secret.

• The speaker feels a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility towards the enslaved individuals who lived at Harvard and sees them as forefathers and foremothers.

• Harvard students have a unique duty to rectify past injustices in professions like medicine, law, and clergy, and to carry the name of Harvard as torchbearers for justice.