The Unforgettable Advice President Obama Gave Howard's Class Of 2016 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Unforgettable Advice President Obama Gave Howard's Class Of 2016

My President is Black, My Lambo' is Blue.

25
The Unforgettable Advice President Obama Gave Howard's Class Of 2016
photobucket.com

In 2007, then-Senator and presidential candidate Barack Obama came to Howard to deliver the convocation address to much excitement and fanfare. Fast-forward to 2012 and Barack Obama was re-elected as President of the United States. On the night of his victory, Howard University students traveled to the White House to celebrate Obama's triumph. As Obama was the first black person to occupy the white house, his re-election meant a great deal to the mostly black student body of Howard University. Many of the Howard University Students who celebrated at the White House that day had been in high school when Obama was first elected to presidential office in 2008. President Obama has always been a huge source of pride for the black community due to not only being president but the poise and coolness with which he has held the office. Charles Witlock II, a graduating senior, described Obama being announced as the commencement speaker as "the realization of a dream come true."

President Obama, now in the final year of his last term as president, gave the commencement address at Howard University's graduation, completing a full circle journey that began at Howard in 2007 and ended with Howard's 2016 graduation.These graduating seniors and President Obama both experienced trials and tribulations but both have also been made stronger by these challenges, and both leave their respective domain in better shape than when they left.

Obama did not disappoint with his commencement address. His speech was funny, poignant and inspiring. Obama spoke on blackness, urged the Howard University class of 2016 to embrace their blackness however they express it, and to be prepared to change the course of history like so many Howard graduates before them. Imagine the inspiration and joy you would feel as a black graduate from the most prestigious HBCU in the country hearing the first black president tell you to make sure to embrace your blackness. A trait that Obama has personified through criticisms from failed presidential candidates like Ben Carson and from Harvard professors like Cornel West. These men accuse Obama of not being black enough or scared of black men due to his upbringing by white grandparents. Knowing these crticisms of Obama made it that much more impactful when he stated there is no one way to be black and that blackness cannot be quantified or judged hearing that up close from the most powerful man in the world black or otherwise was extremely powerful.

The Howard University class of 2016 experienced a commencement unlike any other in the history of the school—one that can never be replicated, even if another president was to speak at Howard University.

A journey was started by a senator from Illinois hoping to become the first black president of the United States in 2007 at Howard University, and in 2016, after serving two successful terms, a farewell tour of sorts begins as President Barack Obama prepares for the next phase of his life; so too does the graduating class of 2016 who as freshmen in high school watched Barack Obama become president, as freshman in college celebrated when he was re-elected, and who now, as senior, prepare to watch him go and prepare for their new journey. I know they will heed the words of president and forge their own path to greatness.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183653
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10192
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454545
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24528
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments