WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.000 Music playing 00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Hello everyone, thank you all for joining us for the Western Oregon University's virtual Black 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:33.000 Graduation ceremony. My name is Joe Hahn, and I serve as the Black Student Union advisor 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:37.000 and a Resident Director on campus. I want to welcome all of our Black graduates, friends, 00:00:37.000 --> 00:00:43.000 family, and community. Thank you for joining us today in celebrating our Black graduates. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:47.000 In 2015, I had the privilege to graduate from Western Oregon University and attend Black 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:52.000 Graduation. I am so proud to now be serving as the Black Student Union advisor and 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.000 celebrating you all here today. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:59.000 Unfortunately, we cannot celebrate in person. I wish I could sing the Black National Anthem 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:64.000 with you, meet your friends and family, and give celebratory hugs and high fives, 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:09.000 but we know that it would be impossible and irresponsible for us to be together in person for 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:15.000 the time being. When time allows, I hope we can celebrate again in person. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:19.000 However, we are still celebrating you all today, and every day. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Black graduation exists to celebrate the achievements of our Black students at Western 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:28.000 Oregon University. Each of you twelve graduates have undergone years of education, 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:35.000 research, internships, athletics, clubs and organizations, student jobs, 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:39.000 late nights studying, and so many other experiences to get here today. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:43.000 We celebrate you today because for generations Black people have been told we 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:48.000 are not enough. Our ancestors were not allowed to read, they faced violence for existing 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:54.000 in spaces deemed not appropriate for them, and they were segregated from their peers. 00:01:54.000 --> 00:01:59.000 That historical trauma is inherited by us and we see echoes of these injustices still today, 00:01:59.000 --> 00:01:62.000 including many recent events of violence. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:06.000 Many of you were likely told sometime in your life that you were not enough from teachers, 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:10.000 from doctors, maybe even from your own family. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:15.000 But I want you to know that you are enough. You. Are. Enough. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:20.000 You're not only enough. You are excellent. Your trials and tribulations you faced to get here 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:26.000 today prove your excellence. You are examples of strength, resilience, and pride. 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:30.000 Something we share with countless other Black people through the generations. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:34.000 You all are embodiments of these traits. Your friends and family watching this stream today 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:37.000 will be celebrating you for your excellence. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:43.000 You often think of Black excellence as our celebrities and role models. 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:46.000 But no matter how many instagram followers we have, we aren't Michelle Obama, 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:52.000 LeBron James, or Laverne Cox. But you are excellent. You are our teachers, our athletes, 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.000 our politicians, our scientists, our authors, our artists. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:61.000 The majority of you are Black women. Black women make up the most educated population 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:05.000 in the United States. Black men, you are helping showcase the importance of strong 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:10.000 positive role models for our community. And our Black Trans and Nonbinary graduates, 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:15.000 you are showing the world how important intersectionality, love, and compassion are 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:19.000 for justice. All of you are paving the way for our siblings, our cousins, our friends, 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:21.000 and our children. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:24.000 This is one of many milestones you will have in your life and I am so honored to celebrate it with you. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:26.000 This is one of many milestones you will have in your life and I am so honored to celebrate it with you. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:29.000 So we celebrate you today through Black Graduation. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:36.000 To start us off, I'd like to introduce Western Oregon University President Rex Fuller. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:39.000 Hello Western Oregon University Black Graduates. My name is Rex Fuller and I'm the 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:43.000 president of Western Oregon University. I'm here to congratulate you all on the 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:47.000 achievements you've made to get to graduation. For many of you, 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:50.000 the path to get here hasn't been a simple or easy one. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:54.000 Many of you have balanced extracurricular activities in addition to your studies, 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:58.000 such as being a member of the Black Student Union, a student athlete, 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:62.000 or a Resident Assistant. Some of you may have had family obligations, 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:06.000 or full-time jobs in addition to being a student. Regardless of your circumstance, 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:11.000 you've achieved a huge milestone in earning your degree from Western. 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:14.000 You should be proud of yourself, I know I'm proud of you, 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:17.000 and I'm proud to call you members of the Wolves family. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:22.000 Thank you, President Rex Fuller. Now we will have our Black National Anthem. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:27.000 The Black National Anthem is a celebratory song written in 1899 by NAACP leader James 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:32.000 Weldon Johnson and then set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson. 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:37.000 It was first performed in public in the Johnsons' hometown of Jacksonville, Florida as part of a 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:41.000 celebration of President Lincoln's Birthday on February 12th, 1900 by a choir of 500 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:46.000 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:51.000 principal. Today it is used to celebrate and uplift the Black community especially for events like 00:04:51.000 --> 00:04:53.000 graduations. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:56.000 Performing the Black National Anthem is Zee Molon, with American Sign Language 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:59.000 interpreting by Noah Driver. Please feel free to sing or sign along. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:04:68.000 Lift ev'ry voice and sing 'Til earth and heaven ring 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:20.000 Ring with the harmonies of Liberty Let our rejoicing rise 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:30.000 High as the list'ning skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea 00:05:30.000 --> 00:05:38.000 Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:48.000 Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:56.000 Facing the rising sun of our new day begun 00:05:56.000 --> 00:05:64.000 Let us march on 'til victory is won 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:11.000 Stony the road we trod Bitter the chastening rod 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:18.000 Felt in the days when hope unborn had died 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:23.000 Yet with a steady beat 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:26.000 Have not our weary feet 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:34.000 Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:41.000 We have come over a way that with tears has been watered 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:51.000 We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:59.000 Out from the gloomy past 'Til now we stand at last 00:06:59.000 --> 00:06:65.000 Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:10.000 God of our weary years 00:07:10.000 --> 00:07:13.000 God of our silent tears 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:20.000 Thou who has brought us thus far on the way 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:28.000 hou who has by Thy might Led us into the light 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:35.000 Keep us forever in thy path, we pray 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:42.000 Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee 00:07:42.000 --> 00:07:50.000 Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:56.000 Shadowed beneath Thy hand 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:62.000 May we forever stand True to our God 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:08.000 True to our native land 00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:15.000 Thank you Zee and Noah for performing the Black National Anthem, 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:20.000 we appreciate your work. I hope hearing the Johnson Brothers' song has served a reminder 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:24.000 that we should lift every voice and continue the march our ancestors began towards liberty, 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:28.000 justice, equity, and victory. 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:33.000 Next I am honored to introduce our keynote speaker Jordan Shelby West. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:37.000 Dr. Jordan West is a scholar activist serving as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:42.000 Education at George Washington University. Dr. West identifies as a scholar activist and is a 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:45.000 formally trained social justice educator and facilitator. 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:51.000 Prior to joining GW, Dr. West was the Inaugural Senior Diversity & Inclusion Training Specialist 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:56.000 at Princeton University where she created an 18-month Certificate Program called the 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:60.000 Inclusion & Diversity Certificate Program for cohorts of staff and faculty, 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:05.000 in addition to leading, designing, and facilitating several opportunities for various departments 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:07.000 across the campus. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:11.000 Before joining Princeton, Dr. West worked in the Division of Student Affairs 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:16.000 at Syracuse University and directed a dialogue program entitled Conversations About 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:21.000 Race & Ethnicity. Dr. West's professional experience in higher 00:09:21.000 --> 00:09:25.000 education include working at institutions such as the University of California Berkeley 00:09:25.000 --> 00:09:31.000 and The Pennsylvania State University, and in areas such as Residence Life, Greek Life, 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:36.000 Multicultural Affairs, Admissions, Athletics, and more. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:40.000 On a national level, Dr. West serves as a consultant to institutions of higher education 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:45.000 and organizations to develop and facilitate pedagogy that engages students, faculty, staff, 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:51.000 members, and senior administrators in meaningful, critical, and urgent conversations 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:58.000 about identity, systems of power, privilege, and oppression, and our individual and collective 00:09:58.000 --> 00:09:62.000 roles in taking action to disrupt inequitable structures. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:06.000 And if that isn't impressive enough, Dr. West is also a Research Associate and Qualitative 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:11.000 Specialist with Rankin & Associates Consulting, where she works with institutions of higher 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:16.000 education across the United States to conduct campus climate assessments, 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:20.000 and has been with the company since 2010. Dr. West is actively involved with the American 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:25.000 College Personnel Association (ACPA), where she serves as a Past Chair for the Pan African 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:31.000 Network (PAN) and the Assembly Coordinator for Coalitions & Networks for the Association's 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.000 Governing Board. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:38.000 Dr. West completed her PhD in Cultural Foundations of Education and received her 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:45.000 Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women and Gender Studies, both at Syracuse University. 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:48.000 Dr. West earned her Master's degree in College Student Affairs '" 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:52.000 with an emphasis on social justice in higher education at The Pennsylvania State University 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:59.000 and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland College Park. 00:10:59.000 --> 00:10:63.000 Dr. West's experience and continued research interests focus on campus climate, 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:10.000 narrative and storytelling as a method, and how People of Color and individuals from historically 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:16.000 marginalized identities work towards liberation while in higher education through the lens of 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:20.000 Black Feminist Theory and Critical Race Theory. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:25.000 Dr. West uses themes from Beyonce's seminal work Lemonade and other popular media to 00:11:25.000 --> 00:11:31.000 explore issues of gender, race, and sexuality with students and in her research. 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:36.000 I hope to one day such a cool list of research, education, and experience as Dr. West. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:40.000 Western Oregon University is honored to have Dr. West serve as our keynote for Black 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:44.000 Graduation 2020. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:44.000 Thank you Dr. West. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:51.000 Greetings to the Western Oregon University Class of 2020. We are Black. We are here. 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:58.000 We are educated. We are resilient. We are persistent. And we are present...here, 00:11:58.000 --> 00:11:65.000 right now in this moment. This is your moment and you deserve every single second and 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:09.000 feeling of joy and accomplishment. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:15.000 My name is Dr. Jordan Shelby West and I use the pronouns she, her, and hers. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:21.000 I am honored and humbled to serve as a keynote speaker for WOU's Class of 2020 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:28.000 Black Graduation. I welcome the family, friends, university faculty and staff, 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:35.000 all of the aunties and the ancestors, and of course the illustrious class of 2020 to this 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:40.000 beautiful, meaningful, and significant celebration. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:46.000 A long time ago, seniors of WOU planted a giant sequoia tree that you may remember 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:54.000 passing daily on Monmouth Avenue. Take a second to imagine that tree - it is really tall, 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:62.000 deeply rooted into the ground, provides a lot of shade, it is noticed and distinct, 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:10.000 it is resilient no matter the weather, and it has been there for a very long time....kind of like us 00:13:17.000 --> 00:13:21.000 to this celebratory moment that has brought us here today. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:28.000 In particular there are a few things about the giant sequoia that remind me of you all. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:34.000 First, giant sequoias are rare trees and have thick skin. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:40.000 For Black students at a predominantly white insitution, sometimes you can feel this way - 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:49.000 rare, the only, one of a few, perhaps even tokenized. While this can be exhausting, 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:56.000 overplayed, and at times really harmful...What it teaches us is that we have voice, 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:63.000 we bring value, and we need and deserve a seat at any table...or we will create our own, 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:10.000 which may be cuter anyway. For every incident or challenging time when it felt like there were 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:17.000 barriers placed in front of you or almost as if someone was purposefully throwing challenges 00:14:17.000 --> 00:14:24.000 your way, you had the most control over how you responded. As you move forward, 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:32.000 after graduation, you will be faced with a series of decisions, hard ones at times too. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:38.000 Just like over the last two months or so, you will have the opportunity to choose how you 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:45.000 respond. Always remember you are responsible for your energy and attitude. 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:54.000 You are rare, one of a kind. You have thick skin, built strong and resilient. 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:61.000 Second, giant sequoias are among the oldest trees in the world. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:08.000 Many of us come from communities where family, friends, traditions, our ancestors, 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:15.000 and the blocks we grew up on taught us so much about what it means to live in this world. 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:19.000 From the philosophical barber shop conversations to the life lessons an auntie 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:32.000 in fact we've created so much that others depend on to move through the world. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:40.000 It is no surprise that a Black woman is possibly leading the science and discovery of a vaccine 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:48.000 right now. Black women in particular have created pathways for so many of us to be 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:53.000 great. Our knowledge and understanding of power, privilege, 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:58.000 and oppression dates back to at least the 1800s when Sojourner Truth said, 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:64.000 Ain't I A Woman? and asked the white audience at the Women's Rights conference in 00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:21.000 In the words of Queen Carter, we've had our ups and downs...we were served lemons, 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:30.000 and we made lemonade. That is your strength and the strength of Black people. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:36.000 Know that you have that in you. You come from people who have been here, creating things, 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:40.000 and leading the way. 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:47.000 Third, giant sequoias know how to branch out and are always growing. 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:53.000 You spent the last few years here navigating a space that was new, unfamiliar, 00:16:53.000 --> 00:16:60.000 perhaps even at times unwelcoming. You made a choice to stay, whether that was through the 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:06.000 support of those close to your heart, a really special staff or faculty member, 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:12.000 or your friends who are also graduating with you this year...you did it. 00:17:12.000 --> 00:17:18.000 I know the discomfort at times when branching out was hard and we have to remember 00:17:18.000 --> 00:17:24.000 that the strongest people have scars that symbolize their strength to push through and 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:30.000 make it out to tell the story of doing so. Hopefully you met some new people, 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:36.000 different from you and that you'd now call on as a friend, someone who supports you even 00:17:36.000 --> 00:17:43.000 when they gain nothing else from doing so. 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:48.000 Maybe you even took a class or chose a major that was really hard or just simply new to you, 00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:57.000 and when you could drop it, you pushed yourself to stay. You allowed yourself to grow. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:64.000 Always work towards building a community...after all, no one does big things by 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:09.000 themselves...we need one another to continue growing. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:16.000 So, if and when you visit campus again or notice the giant sequoia on any marketing for 00:18:16.000 --> 00:18:24.000 WOU, think of yourself and the other Black students graduating this year. 00:18:24.000 --> 00:18:31.000 This tree symbolizes all that you worked on to get to WOU, the energy, time, 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:36.000 and effort you put forward to make it through WOU, and the impact you've had on this 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:44.000 campus and will have in the world. Always know and trust that you can ask the universe 00:18:44.000 --> 00:18:52.000 for something...really anything...just be ready for when the universe responds. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:57.000 Hold your chin up high, my Kings and Queens. The world will never be fully ready for your 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:65.000 greatness because people are surprised when beautiful roses grow out of concrete... 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:12.000 it's time to show them how you can bloom and blossom under all circumstances. 00:19:12.000 --> 00:19:21.000 Move forward with grace, gratitude, and humbly. Announce arrivals, not departures, 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:28.000 keep your receipts, and allow your work and integrity to speak for itself. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:35.000 We need you right now, more than ever, to make a difference. 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:42.000 To all of the graduates...I congratulate you for climbing up a mountain and believing that you 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:49.000 would reach the top. To the Black students in the WOU graduating class of 2020... 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:56.000 Another ceiling just became your floor. CONGRATULATIONS. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:61.000 Thank you Dr. West for your words of encouragement, inspiration, 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:03.000 and action to our Black Graduates. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:09.000 Finally I am proud to present the Kente cloth to our twelve 2020 Black graduates. 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:16.000 Legend has it that the kente comes from two Ghanian friends from the Akan tribe who 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:18.000 witnessed a spider weaving its web. After carefully watching the spiders movements for 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:23.000 two days, the friends returned to their village and created the first kente designs. 00:20:23.000 --> 00:20:27.000 Kente designs became a recognition and celebratory practice, especially for Black 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:33.000 graduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This practice continued to other 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:38.000 colleges and universities throughout the nation. 00:20:33.000 --> 00:20:38.000 Each color of the kente cloth has a different 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:43.000 meaning, and often the designs are unique for each individual graduate. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:47.000 Graduates, you'll notice my kente design is different than yours. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:52.000 Typically we use black, green, yellow, and red for celebrations. 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:57.000 The black represents maturation. Backed by the spirit of ancestors for growth and change. 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:61.000 You enter this change and maturation today through graduation. 00:21:01.000 --> 00:21:06.000 The green is planting, harvesting, and growth. You are harvesting the knowledge and 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:08.000 experiences from your college experience to feed your future. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:13.000 The yellow is preciousness, royalty, wealth, and beauty. You are showcasing the impact you 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:18.000 have made in the world by shining as a WOU Black graduate. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:22.000 Lastly the red represents the political and spiritual moods and sacrifices. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:26.000 This acknowledges and celebrates the challenges you faced and overcame to get to 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:28.000 this moment. 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:32.000 As you adorn yourself with these kente cloths, think of your history. 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:37.000 Think of the impact you have made thus far. The astounding achievement of you Black 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:39.000 excellence. 00:21:39.000 --> 00:21:44.000 As I read the graduate names, please join us in cheering for your community. 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:48.000 I know you won't be able to hear each other, but I want us to feel the spirit of our support no 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:50.000 matter where you are. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:53.000 Our 2020 Black Graduates are: 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:55.000 Syanne Brewer 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:57.000 Shariah Green 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:59.000 Sabrina Smith 00:21:59.000 --> 00:21:61.000 D-Dre Wright 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:03.000 Shaylie Pickrell 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:05.000 Lyandra Maina 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:08.000 Noah Nieves Driver 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:12.000 A'yana Stinson-Richardson 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:14.000 Jolaade'Nwanze 00:22:14.000 --> 00:22:16.000 Yona Griffin 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:18.000 Aaron'Rothlisberger 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.000 Caden Finkley 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:24.000 Congratulations to all of our graduates. We'll close with a message from our 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:26.000 Black Student Union President, Logan Jackson. 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:31.000 Hi, my name is Logan Jackson and I am the Black Student Union president. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:35.000 While this has only been my second year here at WOU, I have quickly come to learn the 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:40.000 importance of having a sense of community amongst my Black peers'"being 00:22:40.000 --> 00:22:44.000 able to have that support system made up of people that not only looked like me but, 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:48.000 also shared similar experiences within the education system as well as society, 00:22:48.000 --> 00:22:53.000 has made me feel less alone and like I can conquer any obstacle that comes my way with 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:56.000 my family away from home backing me up, and I hope that you all have been able to feel 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:62.000 this way. I would like to extend a huge congratulations to our 2020 Black graduates as 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:06.000 well as wish you all success in your future endeavors. Despite the future being unclear, 00:23:06.000 --> 00:23:10.000 I know that you all will take everything you've learned here at WOU and apply those things in 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:12.000 the next stages of your life. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:14.000 Again, congratulations, stay healthy, and go wolves. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:21.000 Music plays 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:25.000 Music plays