Phylicia Rashad Delivers Tuskegee University Commencement Address
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It’s a day every one of these students has looked forward to for years, the chance to walk across the stage and accept a diploma from Tuskegee University.
The day was even more special with the addition of TV’s Phylicia Rashad.
“You are a blessed class. You are a blessed group of people. And we are blessed to celebrate your accomplishments today,” said Rashad.
She says it’s been a goal of hers to visit the school. There’s a lot of history at the institution, but she challenged the class to remember the school’s legacy over today’s priorities.
“You have been encouraged to aspire to things and to associate yourself worth as a human being with things that you can acquire. This is not your making, this is not your fault. And yet through God’s wisdom and grace you have been brought to this sacred place,” said Rashad.
As students left the hall, many were impressed by Rashad’s words. They flocked to the statue of founder Booker T. Washington to pay tribute to the school’s roots. Many said they won’t soon forget her remarks.
“She nailed it. This is what Tuskegee is all about, history and legacy right here. It’s living history,” said graduate Ryan Jackson.
“She was amazing, very inspirational. I was really excited to have her as a speaker. Growing up watching the Cosbies and everything then seeing Claire Huxtable up there I’m like, there’s my TV mom talking to me and inspiring me I can do this,” said Marsena Walker.
