WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Music 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:11.000 Hello hello, graduates, friends, family, faculty, staff and guests! 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:14.000 Thank you all for joining us for the Western 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.000 Oregon University virtual Black graduation ceremony. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:20.000 My name is JoeHahn and I serve as the Black student 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:24.000 union advisor and your MC for today's event. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:27.000 We're once again celebrating Black graduation remotely. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Where ever you may be. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.000 Some of our graduates are out of state, some are still in Oregon, 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:34.000 and some of you have maybe 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:36.000 already left Monmouth and are starting up 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:37.000 the next phase of your life. 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:41.000 Where ever you may be, I'm excited to celebrate with you. 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:44.000 For our extroverts, I hope you can arrange a 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:47.000 small gathering to celebrate with others 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:49.000 For our introverts, congratulations on getting 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.000 to celebrate in your graduation in your pajamas. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.000 You're the real winners here. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:57.000 Because we are not in person, 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:59.000 we are missing some of the energy and 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:61.000 fun that goes into a physical event. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:04.000 So here's a summary of what you're missing. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:07.000 One, me singing the Black National Anthem off key. 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:10.000 Two, me embarrassing you in front of your friends and family 00:01:10.000 --> 00:01:12.000 which I'm doing right now. 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:15.000 And lastly, me eating all the snacks in the back of the room 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:17.000 while the keynote is speaking. 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:19.000 But don't worry, I'm still here. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:21.000 Student Engagement asked me to be the MC, 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:24.000 so you're not missing out completely. 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:27.000 Thank you for watching this ceremony, 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:30.000 despite the virtual format. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:33.000 We hope to still celebrate our graduates and make them feel 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:36.000 all the love and support we are sending their way. 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:40.000 Feel free to share this video all over social media. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:41.000 Email it to your grandma. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:44.000 Whatever you need to do to spread the word. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:47.000 Please also post your graduation photos with your kente cloths 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:49.000 for all of us to see. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:52.000 We're going to have a great time tonight. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:55.000 I'll be providing some history about Black graduation. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:58.000 You hear a great performance of the Black National Anthem 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:60.000 by the WOU Chamber Singers. 00:02:00.000 --> 00:02:04.000 You'll hear from a keynote speaker who loves WOU 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:07.000 and we will close out with all of our graduates 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:09.000 getting their kente cloths. 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:11.000 So let's get started. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:13.000 In 2015, I graduated 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:16.000 from Western Oregon University and attended Black Graduation. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:20.000 Now 6 years later, it is an honor and privilege to be serving 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:24.000 as a Black student union advisor and celebrating the achievements 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:26.000 of our Black graduates. 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:29.000 One day, I hope we will see you back here 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.000 as one of our keynote speakers 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:33.000 or as an advisor yourself. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:36.000 We hope that you will continue to stay involved with Western. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:40.000 Graduates, whether you are watching this with your family, friends, 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:44.000 partners, roommates, pets or even alone, 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:48.000 you have us all celebrating you today and everyday. 00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:52.000 Black graduation exists to celebrate the achievements 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.000 of our Black students at Western Oregon University. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:59.000 Each of you has undergone years of education, research, 00:02:59.000 --> 00:02:63.000 internships, athletics, clubs, student jobs, 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:07.000 early morning Dutch Bros runs, late night procrastination dance parties, 00:03:07.000 --> 00:03:10.000 and enough student meetings to last a life time. 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:13.000 So many other experiences that got you here today. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:17.000 We celebrate you today because for generations 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:20.000 Black people have been told we're not enough. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:22.000 Our ancestors were not allowed to read, 00:03:22.000 --> 00:03:24.000 they faced violence for existing in spaces 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.000 deemed inappropriate for them, 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:29.000 and they were segregated from their peers. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:32.000 Even if your ancestors didn't 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:33.000 face those atrocities, 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:36.000 Black people in the United States face racism 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:39.000 in its many forms every single day. 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:44.000 Police violence, educational inequity, housing discrimination and 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:46.000 far many more injustices have been 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:48.000 barriers to prevent us from succeeding, 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:50.000 living and thriving. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:53.000 With that history and contemporary trauma, 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:56.000 we need to celebrate our achievements together. 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:60.000 Black graduation was created to give a special platform 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:04.000 to our graduates who faced these odds and earned their degree. 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:08.000 Now we all know Western Oregon University is a predominately white 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:10.000 campus, we know. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:12.000 You likely had moments were you were the 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:15.000 only Black student in your class, or club or at work, 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:17.000 and for that I am sorry. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:20.000 I'm sorry you had a moment where you were the only one. 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:23.000 It can be so, so lonely. 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:27.000 I also hope that you had moments of community of other Black people. 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:29.000 My time with the Black Student Union has been one of the 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:32.000 most rewarding moments of my career, 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:34.000 and I hope you've had moments like that. 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:37.000 Whether you're kicking it back, studying together, 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:40.000 at practice, even nodding when you pass each other at campus. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:43.000 There are many moments of community that we have created, 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:45.000 and those moments are so powerful. 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:50.000 Whether WOU has been home for single term or multiple years, 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:52.000 you have all made an impact here 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:54.000 and will do so wherever you go next. 00:04:54.000 --> 00:04:56.000 As WOU Black graduates you showcase 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:59.000 a multitude of experience, talents and perspectives. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:04:64.000 You are excellent. You are magnificent. You are smart. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:07.000 You are so talented. 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:10.000 You are the byproduct of the dreams our ancestors had 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:16.000 and you are an inspiration of our decendents who will look up to you. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:19.000 Trials and tribulations you've faced to get here today 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:21.000 prove your excellence. 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:26.000 You are examples of strength, resilience and pride. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:30.000 Now don't get cocky, I didn't say you were perfect. 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:36.000 You aren't walking out of here knowing every little thing, 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:40.000 but you know a whole lot more than when you first started here. 00:05:40.000 --> 00:05:44.000 The knowledge you gained here, both in and out of the classroom 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.000 will be with you the next time you have doubt. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:48.000 The next time you are challenged. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:51.000 The next time someone looks at you sideways. 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:53.000 Even if you don't think you are ready, 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:56.000 you have proven you can succeed. 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:60.000 Remember, that you have each other. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:04.000 Even if you have never heard of a graduate before 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:06.000 you'll see each others names at the end of this ceremony. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.000 Add each other on social media, 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:09.000 hype each other up, 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:12.000 support each other as you get jobs and have other personal milestones. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:15.000 Because you have joined a network of Black graduates 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:20.000 who have fought against the odds and got that paper. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:24.000 So have each other backs and together you will succeed. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:28.000 We often think of Black excellence as our celebrities and role models. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:30.000 But no matter how many Instagram followers we have 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:35.000 we aren't Michelle Obama, Lebron James or Laverne Cox. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:37.000 But you are excellent. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:41.000 You are our teachers, our athletes, our politicians, 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:44.000 our scientists, our authors and our artists. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:46.000 You are so many things. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:49.000 The majority of you are Black women. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:52.000 Black women make up the most educated population 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:54.000 in the United States. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:58.000 You are showing up and changing the world 00:06:58.000 --> 00:06:60.000 and we cannot wait to see where you go next. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:03.000 Black men, you have successfully fought 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:07.000 a stereotype that Black men do not value an education. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:10.000 Your success shows how committed and resilient you are 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:14.000 and you are ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:19.000 Our Black trans and non-binary graduates, you are not invisible, 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:21.000 and you are not alone. 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:24.000 You have earned this and you should celebrate too. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.000 I am so proud of you, even if you are not out, 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:30.000 know you always have support from me and you can always reach out. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:34.000 You all hold so many more identities than just being Black. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:40.000 You may be adopted, have a disability, religious, poor, queer. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:42.000 You could be the first in your family to graduate. 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:45.000 You could be celebrating this without any family support at all. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:49.000 Whatever your own personal constellation of identities 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:51.000 and experiences you hold, 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:53.000 know that your stars shine bright and 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:56.000 will continue to do so wherever you are headed. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:60.000 You have intersections of identity that make you 00:08:00.000 --> 00:08:01.000 uniquely you. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:04.000 Whatever those intersections are, we are celebrating them today 00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:06.000 and every single day. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:09.000 All of you are paving the way for our siblings, 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:12.000 our cousins, our friends and our children. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:15.000 This is one of many milestones you will have in your life 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:17.000 and I am honored to celebrated it with you today. 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:22.000 Now, it isn't a Black celebration without the Black National Anthem. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.000 To get us all lined up, 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:27.000 please enjoy the rendition of Black National Anthem. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:29.000 The Black National Anthem is a celebratory song 00:08:29.000 --> 00:08:34.000 written in 1899 by the NAA Supreme Leader James Weldon Johnson. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:38.000 His brother John Rosevan Johnson set the music for the song. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:40.000 It was first performed in public in Johnsons hometown of Jacksonville Florida. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:42.000 Johnsons hometown of Jacksonville Florida, 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:45.000 as part of a celebration of President Lincoln's 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:48.000 birthday on February 12th, 1900. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:52.000 A choir of 500 school children sang the song at 00:08:52.000 --> 00:08:53.000 a segregated state school. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:54.000 How cool is that? 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:57.000 Today, the Black National Anthem is used 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:60.000 to celebrate and uplift the Black community, 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:02.000 especially for events like Juneteenth, 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:05.000 Kwanzaa and of course, graduations. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:10.000 This year we are honored to have our very own WOU Chamber Singers 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.000 perform the anthem. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:16.000 Please join me by singing, dancing or signing along. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:20.000 Lift every voice and sing, 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:34.000 Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:39.000 Let our rejoicing rise 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:44.000 High as the list'ning skies, 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:53.000 Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:59.000 Lift every voice and sing, 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:13.000 Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:18.000 Let our rejoicing rise 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:22.000 High as the list'ning skies, 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:32.000 Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:41.000 Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:53.000 Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:64.000 Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:16.000 Let us march on 'til victory is won. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:18.000 Thank you WOU Chamber Singers for your performance. 00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:20.000 We appreciate your work. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:24.000 I hope hearing the Johnson brother's song has served as a reminder 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:28.000 that we should lift every voice and continue to march 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:31.000 that march that our ancestor began towards liberty, 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:33.000 justice, equity, and victory. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:37.000 Next, I am honored to introduce our keynote speaker, 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:39.000 Monti Washington! 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:42.000 Now, Monti needs no introduction for most of our graduates. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:46.000 Monti has been our convocation speaker since 2016. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:50.000 His speeches inspire our students to get out of their comfort zone, 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:52.000 introduce themselves to their peers 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:56.000 and most importantly to be proud of their stories 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:60.000 and honor the challenges and successes they have had. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:03.000 Monti is always just a text away. 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:06.000 Helping our students out even if he spoke two words to them 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:08.000 the years before. 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:11.000 Monti has become a member of our community 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:13.000 and we are honored to have him as this year's keynote. 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:16.000 So without any further ado, Monti Washington. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:21.000 Wassup Western Oregon University Black graduates 2021! 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:23.000 Congratulations! 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:24.000 Y'all made it through! 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:28.000 Y'all had to survive finals, y'all had to survive a pandemic, 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:30.000 Y'all had to survive being broke college students. 00:12:30.000 --> 00:12:33.000 But guess what, y'all are here and I am so proud of y'all. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:36.000 There's four things I like to call cheat codes that I want to 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:39.000 give y'all to help prepare y'all for what's to come. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.000 Because even though y'all got y'all degrees, 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:43.000 even though you made it here, it's not over yet. 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:44.000 In fact it's only the beginning. 00:12:44.000 --> 00:12:48.000 So what I've got for y'all right now are the four cheat codes for life 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.000 and I feel if y'all utilize these, if y'all write this down, 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.000 y'all memorize this, internalize this. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:55.000 It's going to better prepare you for what's out there in the world. 00:12:55.000 --> 00:12:57.000 The first cheat code I've got for y'all: 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:59.000 perspective is a cheat code for life. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:12:62.000 I hope y'all caught that. Perspective is a cheat code for life. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:04.000 When you get out in the real world. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:07.000 When you get done with this graduation situation, 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:08.000 you're going to look at things 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:10.000 and things are going to look dismal sometimes. 00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:12.000 Things are going to look and feel unfair. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:15.000 But it's not that things are unfair, it's your perspective. 00:13:15.000 --> 00:13:17.000 Perspective is a cheat code for life. 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:20.000 I'm telling y'all I would not be where I'm at today 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:23.000 being a motivational speaker, being an actor. 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:25.000 My show is premiering in a couple of days. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:28.000 I would not be here if I did not have the right perspective. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:31.000 Because when I got out of college there was no job opportunities. 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:33.000 We didn't just get out of a pandemic but it felt that way. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:36.000 But my perspective kept me focused. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:37.000 It kept me in alignment. 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:40.000 And let me tell y'all something, you can't have what you can't see. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:43.000 And what I mean by that is, you got to have a vision. 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:46.000 Now that you've graduated, now that you know the world is your oyster. 00:13:46.000 --> 00:13:49.000 What's your plan? What's your perspective? 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:52.000 What do you have planned to accomplish your goals out there? 00:13:52.000 --> 00:13:56.000 Let me tell y'all this right now, perspective can change your direction. 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:58.000 If you're the kind of person whose pessimistic, 00:13:58.000 --> 00:13:60.000 if you're the kind of person who looks at the glass half empty 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:02.000 rather than full, then life is going to be hard. 00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:05.000 It is not easy out here in the real world. 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:06.000 So you got to have the right perspective. 00:14:06.000 --> 00:14:09.000 You have to see things through a positive lens. 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:12.000 And not what is happening, but what is possible. 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:15.000 Another cheat code is patience. Patience is a cheat code for life. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:19.000 Let me tell y'all, when I graduated in 2009 I realized, 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:21.000 I don't want to go to law school, I don't want to be a lawyer. 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:24.000 I want to be a motivational speaker, I want to be a actor 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:26.000 and I want to make a living off of it. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:29.000 I moved to LA after graduation and it wasn't until 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:36.000 And then it wasn't until 7 years after graduation 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:38.000 I got my first paid speaking gig. 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:44.000 It took me 7, 10 years to reach the goal I wanted and where I'm at today 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:47.000 I am booked out consistently as a motivational speaker. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:51.000 Even right now, I'm on 3 different shows right now, I'm starring on. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:54.000 I'm waiting to film another movie in Canada soon enough. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:56.000 Patience is a cheat code for life. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:58.000 I had to be patient. 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:62.000 I had to realize that it takes time to be the person you want to be. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:05.000 Success is attracted to the person you become. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:06.000 Even though you've just graduated, 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:08.000 even though you got your degree, 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:10.000 things are not going to happen for you right away. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:12.000 You're going to have to put in work. You're going to have to be patient. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:15.000 But I'm not just talking about being patient y'all, 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:17.000 I'm talking about active patience. 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:20.000 And the difference between being patient and actively patience 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:21.000 is just like this. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:23.000 Patience you're just waiting for something to happen. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:26.000 You graduated, you think that degree is going to open all these doors, 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:28.000 which it will eventually, that's being patient. 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:30.000 Actively patience is this. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:31.000 You know what degree you have, 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:33.000 you know what career field you want to go into, 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:35.000 you should be taking online courses, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:37.000 you should be learning everything you possibly can 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:39.000 so when that job interview comes in, 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:42.000 when that job opportunity comes, you're more than prepared. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:44.000 You're not going to settle for some entry level job. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:48.000 You're like, I know how to do this, I know how to do that because these 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:51.000 last few months I have been actively and patiently waiting 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.000 for this opportunity. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:54.000 I've been preparing myself so that way when the opportunity is presented to me 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:56.000 way when the opportunity is presented to me, 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:57.000 I'm more than prepared. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:60.000 So the second cheat code for like is patience, is a cheat code for life. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:04.000 But not just patience, being actively patient, y'all. 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:07.000 The third cheat code for life. Perseverance is a cheat code for life. 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:12.000 Let me tell y'all Black graduates. Perseverance is a cheat code for life. 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:14.000 I'm standing right here in front of y'all as a motivational speaker. 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:18.000 I have spoken at your campus at least 5 times. 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:20.000 You know when I first started speaking how many times the 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:22.000 phone got hung up on me? 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:24.000 Do you understand how many times I got told no? 00:16:24.000 --> 00:16:27.000 You know how many times I got turn down to speak for free? 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:30.000 I was so not in the man, I was so bad. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:31.000 They're like you know what, 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:33.000 were going to pay you not to speak here. 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:36.000 Y'all understand that? But I had to preserver. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:38.000 Even my first job, my first speaking gig. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:41.000 I made $50, I make a whole lot more than that, thank you Jesus. 00:16:41.000 --> 00:16:44.000 But I made $50 on my first speaking gig. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:48.000 I had to preserver until my talent and my skill and my ability 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:50.000 caught to me in the real world. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:53.000 Perseverance is a cheat code for life y'all. 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:55.000 I'm an actor right now, I told y'all that right. 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:60.000 I'm on three different shows, I'm killing it. Life it lit. Aye! Right. 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:03.000 But y'all don't understand, I was so broke after graduation, 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:05.000 when I moved to follow this dream as an actor. 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:08.000 I was so broke that I couldn't afford acting classes, 00:17:08.000 --> 00:17:12.000 so I had to clean my acting class to be able to afford my acting class. 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:16.000 And it was embarrassing cleaning up, you know, snickers packages and 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:19.000 stuff after my classmates because they had money and I didn't. 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:23.000 But I persevered and now I'm living my dream to the fullest. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:26.000 So there's going to be moments where things are going to be unfair. 00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:29.000 You're going to think I got my degree, right, everything is cool. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:32.000 I know my career path. Life ain't fair. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:33.000 But if you preserver. 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:36.000 If you use that cheat code of preservance, 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:39.000 you're going to reach your final destination, I promise y'all that. 00:17:39.000 --> 00:17:43.000 I am living proof, perseverance is a cheat code for life y'all. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:46.000 And the last cheat code I'm going to hit y'all with, y'all, 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:48.000 Is presence is a cheat code for life. 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:51.000 I don't know if y'all know this but you weren't born to be basic. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:53.000 You weren't born to be average. 00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:56.000 You have a presence about you. You have a essence about you. 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:59.000 And when I'm telling y'all, when y'all going out here in the real world 00:17:59.000 --> 00:17:61.000 when you're trying to get into your career field, 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:03.000 when you trying to move up in your job, 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:05.000 You got to have a presence about you. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:07.000 You got to know something deep inside of you that 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:09.000 you were meant to be here. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:11.000 Presence is a cheat code for life. 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:13.000 If you go in being too humble, 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:16.000 being too small, you will get overlooked and under booked. 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:19.000 I don't know if y'all caught that. Did you catch that? 00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.000 Let me say it again for you boo boo. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:23.000 If you go in with this false modesty, being humble, 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:25.000 just happy to be here. 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:27.000 You will get over looked and you will be under booked. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:30.000 People will speak over you, people will look over you. 00:18:30.000 --> 00:18:32.000 It will be as though you're not even there. 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:35.000 You got a presence, you got a purpose y'all. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:37.000 You weren't born to be basic. You weren't born to be average. 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:40.000 That's a fact. Don't at me, you know what I'm saying. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.000 So you got to have a presences 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.000 and this is advice I give to y'all right here okay. 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:45.000 And this is something I live by. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:49.000 Take up as much space as your existence will allow. 00:18:49.000 --> 00:18:51.000 Western Oregon, let me tell y'all this. 00:18:51.000 --> 00:18:56.000 Black graduates you are here for a reason. You have a purpose. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:59.000 Take up as much space as your existence will allow. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:18:62.000 You can not let people speak over you, people step on you, 00:19:02.000 --> 00:19:04.000 people over look you. 00:19:04.000 --> 00:19:05.000 You have a purpose, y'all. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:07.000 You have a presence about you. 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:09.000 And your presence, your energy, your vibe, 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:13.000 I don't know, I don't want to get all esoteric and all namaste, yogi 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:15.000 you know what I'm saying, get all racky and check, 00:19:15.000 --> 00:19:20.000 but if you do not understand this, vibes are real. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:23.000 Energy is real, you're presence is real. 00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:26.000 When you go into the work place, when you get into any environment 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:30.000 that leads, that gets there before you do and if you go in playing humble 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:33.000 if you go in down playing yourself, doubting yourself, 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:35.000 they're going to go to the person who believes in themselves. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:39.000 So you gotta believe in yourself. Presence is a cheat code for life. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:42.000 I don't know if there are a lot of first time graduates watching this 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:44.000 right now but, I'm a first generation graduate. 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:47.000 Right, most of my family didn't even make it through high school 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:49.000 let alone college so, you need to own up to that. 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:52.000 You need to hold on to that cause that it important. 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:53.000 Do not down play that. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:56.000 So in my opinion, the fact that you're a graduate, 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:60.000 the fact that you are a Black graduate here in America doing big things, 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.000 that makes you the shit. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:04.000 So whenever you doubt yourself, whenever you start to overthink 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:08.000 something, I want you to think: I'm the shit. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:11.000 I'm the shit because I graduated. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:12.000 Because I overcome obstacles. 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.000 Because I fight silent battles that 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:16.000 people don't even know I have to go through. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:17.000 That I have to battle doubt. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:20.000 That I have to struggle with my mental health. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:22.000 You are the shit not because of what you accomplish 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.000 but because of what you've overcome. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:25.000 And all of y'all have over come so much, 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:26.000 so I want y'all to own that. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:29.000 That's why your presence is a cheat code for life y'all. 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:31.000 Never forget it. 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:33.000 Y'all going to have to forgive me, y'all got some names. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:36.000 We clearly have some Black gradates. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:38.000 That have African ancestry in their blood, 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:40.000 that came from African descent. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:43.000 Cause y'all got some names so I apologize in advance. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:46.000 I was given the list, it was spelled phonetically 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:48.000 and if I chop it up, forgive me. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:50.000 I say it with love but I'm going to give a shout out to 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:53.000 all the graduates for the class of 2021. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.000 Let's get it. 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:58.000 Malia Allen, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:62.000 Joseph Badege, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:07.000 Jordyn Beal, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. Aye! 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:11.000 Lauren Berry, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:14.000 Olivia Denton, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:18.000 Marnasha Tanee, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:22.000 Emily Frazier, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:25.000 Keyonna Jones, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:30.000 Trani Rae Morton II, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:32.000 MiQuella Zhane Mollon, you are the shit 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:34.000 because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:38.000 Osaze Ogbeide, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:41.000 Karissa S., you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:45.000 James Toliver, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. Aye! 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:48.000 Rosalie Sandt-Williams, you are the shit because 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:50.000 a 2021 graduate. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:52.000 Kaelin Williams-Kennedy, you are the shit because you 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:54.000 are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:57.000 Darrian Wilson, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:61.000 Kazja Tapunu'u, you are the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:04.000 And I'm sorry if I chopped up your name, I love you. 00:22:04.000 --> 00:22:06.000 Darriyan Nicole Thomas-Asher, you are 00:22:06.000 --> 00:22:09.000 the shit because you are a 2021 graduate. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:14.000 Western Oregon University Black graduates class of 2021, 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:16.000 congratulations for making it this far. 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:20.000 This is just the beginning, don't forget the cheat codes for life. 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:24.000 Don't forget to take up as much space as your existence will allow. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:28.000 This is only the beginning. Congratulations, I love y'all. Peace. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:31.000 Thank you Monty, for your words of humor, encouragement, 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:34.000 inspiration and action to our Black graduates. 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:38.000 Our program is coming to an end and you know what that means. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:43.000 I'm proud to present the Kente Cloth to our 2021 Black graduates. 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:44.000 Now we before we begin, 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:48.000 let me tell you about the history about the Kente Cloth. 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:52.000 Legend has it that the Kente comes from two Ghanian friends 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:55.000 from their contribe, who had discovered a spider 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:57.000 and rather than killing it or moving on, 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:60.000 they stopped to watch it weave its web. 00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:04.000 After carefully watching the spiders movements for two whole days, 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:08.000 the family returned to their village and created 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:12.000 the first Kente designs. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:16.000 The Kente design appears in many African works and fabrics. 00:23:16.000 --> 00:23:20.000 While they are worn for a number of reasons, 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:21.000 including casual wear. 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:24.000 They have special meaning for recognition and 00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:26.000 celebratory practice. 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:29.000 In the United States, the Kente Cloth was given to 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:32.000 graduates at historically Black colleges and universities, 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:36.000 and the practice then spread around the nation and the whole world. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:40.000 Kente designs vary based on the artist. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:44.000 The Kente I wear today for my graduation, it is different 00:23:44.000 --> 00:23:47.000 design from the one you all will be receiving today. 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:49.000 Each color has a unique meaning. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:54.000 Typically we use black, green, yellow, and red for celebrations. 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:60.000 Black represents maturation backed by the spirits of our ancestors, 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:02.000 for growth and change. 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:05.000 You enter this change of maturation today through the 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:07.000 graduation ceremony. 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:09.000 The green is harvesting and growth. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:13.000 You're harvesting the knowledge and experiences from college 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:16.000 that will feed your future. 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:20.000 Yellow is preciousness, royalty, wealthy and beauty. 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:24.000 You are showcasing the impact you have made in the world and by 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:26.000 shining as WOU graduates. 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:31.000 Lastly, red represents political and spiritual moods and sacrifices. 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:33.000 This acknowledges and celebrates the challenges you 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:36.000 have faced and overcame to get to this moment. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:38.000 As well as all of the different things that our 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:40.000 ancestors and leaders have done as well. 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:44.000 If you would like, you can have a family member, friend or whoever else 00:24:44.000 --> 00:24:46.000 you want to give you your Kente cloth. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:49.000 But you're the one who earned this degree so don't be afraid 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:52.000 to adorn it yourself, you have earned it. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:55.000 As you put on your Kente cloth, think of your history. 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:57.000 Think about how every experience you have 00:24:57.000 --> 00:24:60.000 had is woven into this cloth. 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:03.000 Think of the impact you have had so far, 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:06.000 and of all the potential that you hold for the future. 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:08.000 As I read the graduate names, 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:11.000 please join us in cheering for our community. 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:14.000 There will be a dramatic pause. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:17.000 So fill that pause with cheers, applause whatever you would like. 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:21.000 That way we have time for everyone to get attention on their own slide. 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:23.000 If your neighbors can't hear you, you're doing it wrong. 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:26.000 So I want you to keep cheering, do whatever you need to do 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:29.000 to fill the room with all the energy and support 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:31.000 that these graduates deserve. 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:34.000 I want everyone to feel that love no matter where they are. 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:36.000 Let's get started. 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:39.000 Our 2021 Black graduates are: 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:30.000 Hi Black graduates. Marnasha here. 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:35.000 Congratulation everyone! So so thankful we have made it this far. 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:38.000 It has been overwhelming to say the least. 00:26:38.000 --> 00:26:41.000 I may not know everyone because nursing 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:44.000 school has taken up a lot of my time but I just want y'all 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:48.000 to know that I am so incredibly proud to be standing along side 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:51.000 each and everyone of you this spring. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:54.000 I have been waiting for Black graduation since my freshman year. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:59.000 That was 6 years ago and so this is so well deserved. 00:26:59.000 --> 00:26:64.000 You all deserve joy, rest and to be celebrated and to 00:27:04.000 --> 00:27:07.000 be proud of your Blackness. 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:46.000 Congratulations to all our graduates. 00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:50.000 Thank you all for joining us for Black graduation 2021. 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:55.000 We will close with a message from our Black Student Union president, 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:56.000 Logan Jackson. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:60.000 Who is also our incoming and first ever Black women 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:03.000 ASWOU president. 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:05.000 We're so excited to have her. 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:06.000 Logan take it away. 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:08.000 Thank you all for being here. 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:10.000 Hey everyone, my name is Logan Jackson. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:12.000 I am the Black Student Union president and 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:14.000 I'm just here to wish everyone congratulations! 00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:17.000 I''m so excited that you guys are 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:20.000 graduating and this is such a huge accomplishment 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:22.000 and I hope that you guys are so excited and so proud of yourselves 00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:26.000 for being able to push through such a tough year 00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:28.000 just with COVID and then also just within the Black community, 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:31.000 we've gone through a lot of trials and tribulations through 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:36.000 George Floyd and the BLM movement and everything in between. 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:40.000 But this is such a huge accomplishment and this is your day. 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:43.000 So you should be excited, you should be so proud of yourself. 00:29:43.000 --> 00:29:44.000 Go ahead and celebrate. 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:47.000 You deserve it and I just hope that you're able to take 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:49.000 whatever you learned here at WOU and 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:51.000 apply it to whatever you plan on doing in your future. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:55.000 Whether it's going to grad school or hopping right into the work force, 00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:57.000 I am just so proud of all of you guys and 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:60.000 I can't wait to see what you guys do and Go Wolves! 00:30:00.000 --> 00:30:10.000 Music