WE GIVE HONOR TO OUR ANCESTORS WHO FOUGHT SO HARD FOR THIS DAY TO COME. We stood on their shoulders as you now stand on our shoulders.
We congratulate you for having succeeded in this Rite of Passage, attaining your diploma or degree.
We Pass the Relay Baton Symbolic of our PEOPLE, CULTURE, and STRUGGLE, CALLING ON YOU TO CARRY ON THE WORK. WE CHALLENGE YOU TO NOT ONLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT BE THE DIFFERENCE.
We ELDERS challenge you to ASCEND.
A= Aspire to Achieve EXCELLENCE, for you are SPECIAL & UNIQUE.
S= Be Self-Disciplined to study and learn, study, and learn, and know when to take a break, PARTY, and have fun in moderation.
C= Be Critical Thinkers, Courageous, Find your VOICE and use it! Be Connected to a club or organization. Isolation is not healthy.
E= Be Excited, Energized, and Emboldened, for this is the beginning of your life of INDEPENDENCE & APPLICATION.
N= Be Natural, Be yourself, hold on to the teaching and values of your family, teachers, and mentors. Don’t let anyone change you without your permission.
D= Be Determined, Never quit or give up on YOU!
As you begin a new chapter in your life, We send you forth as brilliant shining lights of our heritage, our roots, and our future.
We ask the Creator’s blessings that as you ascend to higher heights, you rise to the mountaintop. Marcus Garvey said, “Let the Sky and God be your Limit and Eternity your Measurement.” Dr. Perry says, “DON’T FORGET TO GIVE BACK!”

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