Speech 3/30/09

Hello Class of 1940. I would just like to congratulate you on your great accomplishments. I am here today because there are many traditions and preparations that your graduating class is engrossed in, leading up to this symbolic day. This is a day of liberation and hope. 

There have been many successful African-Americans that have already made names for themselves. George Washington Carter is an African-American man who revolutionized southern agriculture. He used what he learned in school and decided to study hard and he made a name for himself. 

Mary McLeod Bethune is a great example of what courage and determination can lead to. She lifted herself from the cotton field to the White House as an advisor to the President of the United States. Her greatest accomplishment was almost single-handedly building Bethune-Cookman College in 1923.

I would like to take this time to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you. You all have a great future ahead of you. All of the students are special in their own way and you will all grow up to do great things. 

All the staff of the Lafayette County Training School are glad to have met students as wonderful as you. With courage and the right mind set, you will all go far in life. Believing leads to succeeding. Don't let anyone bring you down no matter what. You are all great people and you will move on to great things. I am glad to announce you all as the graduates of the Class of 1940!