The nation’s second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris, gave a commencement speech to graduates at Tennessee State University on Saturday. The speech was filled with things that the students have faced in their four years at TSU.
“I know it has been a long hard road,” Harris said to the nearly 600 graduates of the historically black university, “but you all made it.”
Blaise Gainey WPLN NewsSoon-to-be Tennessee State University graduates listen to the vice president give their commencement address.
She mentioned coronavirus and students having to adjust to distance learning and missing in-person homecomings. And Harris also spoke about the world they were going into.
“In the United States, we are forced to defend principles that we hoped were long settled, principles like the freedom to vote, the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies.”
In her speech, Harris brought up the climate crisis, access to healthcare and the inadequacies of the criminal justice system. After painting what some would call a grim picture of the current state of affairs, she spoke about how TSU’s Class of 2022 could help tackle some of those challenges.
“You are a generation that grew up online and survived a pandemic…” Harris said. “You have the ability to see what can be unburdened by what has been.”
Blaise Gainey WPLN NewsVice President Kamala Harris laughs at the podium during Tennessee State University’s spring commencement ceremony.
At the end of her speech, she was given TSU’s Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. It recognizes individuals who inspire others; personify excellence, integrity and commitment; and enhance the public good.
TSU graduate Norel McAdoo said it was amazing having the VP give a commencement speech.
“To see somebody of that stature at our university, it was truly inspirational to see,” McAdoo said. “For her to be a part of an HBCU, that’s just letting us know that anybody out here can be destined for the highest heights.”
Blaise Gainey WPLN NewsVice President Kamala Harris stops to fist bump a student as she heads toward the stage.
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