FAMU’s Spring 2011 graduates received words of inspiration from two nationally-known keynote speakers: Mayor M. Kasim Reed of Atlanta, Ga. and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson.“Do not miss your time to do extraordinary things,” said Reed. “Don’t let people distract you right now. This is your opportunity to get it together.”
Reed also encouraged the graduates to remember to give back.
“When you see a little girl’s face or little boy’s face that looks like yours, you have to help them get what you have,” said Reed.
Jackson urged FAMU’s graduation to class to understand that the pursuit of “me and I” is not as important as the pursuit of “we and us.”
“I know the real world seems hard,” she told the graduates. “The people sitting here today helped you to get here. I stand here because people did not say ‘I and me.’ When we talk about struggle, we say ‘We shall overcome.’”
Jackson added that a new world of opportunity was available for the graduates.
“I am honored to be with you—marking a milestone in your lives,” she said. “A day like today, you are No. 1. You made it and you should be happy.”
FAMU President James H. Ammons presented Jackson with the President’s Award. She was also honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters.
“You remain committed to air and water quality,” said Ammons. “Florida A&M University is proud to add to your long list of accomplishments.”