About Africa Realities Media
President Obama Delivers the Commencement Address at Morehouse College | The White House
President Obama Delivers the Commencement Address at Morehouse College
May 19, 2013 at 04:33 PM EDT
President Barack Obama delivers remarks during the commencement ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., May 19, 2013.
Today, President Obama delivered the commencement address to the 2013 graduates of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
"It is one of the great honors of my life to be able to address this gathering here today," President Obama told the graduates. He spoke about Morehouse's history, and " the unique sense of purpose that this place has always infused -- the conviction that this is a training ground not only for individual success, but for leadership that can change the world."
"Your generation is uniquely poised for success unlike any generation of African Americans that came before it," President Obama said.
But that doesn't mean we don't have work -- because if we're honest with ourselves, we know that too few of our brothers have the opportunities that you've had here at Morehouse. In troubled neighborhoods all across this country -- many of them heavily African American -- too few of our citizens have role models to guide them. Communities just a couple miles from my house in Chicago, communities just a couple miles from here -- they're places where jobs are still too scarce and wages are still too low; where schools are underfunded and violence is pervasive; where too many of our men spend their youth not behind a desk in a classroom, but hanging out on the streets or brooding behind a jail cell.
My job, as President, is to advocate for policies that generate more opportunity for everybody -- policies that strengthen the middle class and give more people the chance to climb their way into the middle class. Policies that create more good jobs and reduce poverty, and educate more children, and give more families the security of health care, and protect more of our children from the horrors of gun violence. That's my job. Those are matters of public policy, and it is important for all of us -- black, white and brown -- to advocate for an America where everybody has got a fair shot in life. Not just some. Not just a few.
Graduates react as President Barack Obama delivers remarks during the commencement ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., May 19, 2013.
"But along with collective responsibilities, we have individual responsibilities," the President said. "As Morehouse Men, you now wield something even more powerful than the diploma you're about to collect -- and that's the power of your example. So what I ask of you today is the same thing I ask of every graduating class I address: Use that power for something larger than yourself."
So, yes, go get that law degree. But if you do, ask yourself if the only option is to defend the rich and the powerful, or if you can also find some time to defend the powerless. Sure, go get your MBA, or start that business. We need black businesses out there. But ask yourselves what broader purpose your business might serve, in putting people to work, or transforming a neighborhood. The most successful CEOs I know didn't start out intent just on making money -- rather, they had a vision of how their product or service would change things, and the money followed.
Some of you may be headed to medical school to become doctors. But make sure you heal folks in underserved communities who really need it, too. For generations, certain groups in this country -- especially African Americans -- have been desperate in need of access to quality, affordable health care. And as a society, we're finally beginning to change that.
"And finally, as you do these things, do them not just for yourself, but don't even do them just for the African American community. I want you to set your sights higher," President Obama said. "It's not just the African American community that needs you. The country needs you. The world needs you."
Success may not come quickly or easily. But if you strive to do what's right, if you work harder and dream bigger, if you set an example in your own lives and do your part to help meet the challenges of our time, then I'm confident that, together, we will continue the never-ending task of perfecting our union.
Watch President Obama's full address below
Support Our Work Now !
Africa Realities Media is independent. Your support helps us expose injustice, challenge silence and produce evidence-based analysis on Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
Africa Realities Media offre un espace aux écrivains, chercheurs, experts, activistes, voix communautaires, militants, analystes et personnes ayant une expérience vécue qui souhaitent contribuer à des contenus réfléchis, responsables et courageux sur les changements nécessaires dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que sur les réalités politiques, économiques, culturelles et sociales africaines souvent ignorées, minimisées ou mal représentées.
Nos articles et vidéos visent à ouvrir le débat, renforcer la sensibilisation, encourager la pensée critique et favoriser une réflexion plus profonde sur les réalités vécues par les populations africaines. Nous voulons aider les peuples de la région des Grands Lacs à mieux comprendre leurs droits, notamment leurs droits humains, leur droit au développement, leur droit à la dignité, à la sécurité, au bien-être et à une vie meilleure.
À travers nos contenus, nous cherchons également à rappeler aux décideurs, aux institutions publiques, aux acteurs régionaux et internationaux, ainsi qu’aux responsables politiques, leur devoir de transparence, de responsabilité et de redevabilité envers les populations qu’ils prétendent servir. Notre objectif est de contribuer à une culture de vérité, de justice, de participation citoyenne et de protection égale pour tous les peuples africains.
Why We Exist
Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states, ruling elites, armed groups, military forces and security services. But these abuses are often sustained by international silence, Western lobbying, trade interests, migration deals, mineral access, diplomatic partnerships and unequal global accountability.
Africa Realities Media exposes that system.
Lived Experience Matters
Survivors, displaced communities, refugees, families affected by repression, journalists, activists, women, young people and diaspora voices are not passive subjects. They are knowledge holders.
Their experiences must shape policy, advocacy, journalism and public debate. The people closest to injustice are often closest to the solutions.
Our Principle
Africa Realities Media is rooted in one principle: African lives deserve equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.
Popular Posts
A votre aimable attention s'il vous plait, Cher(e) lauréat(e), veuillez prendre connaissance de la pièce jointe et automatiquement entrer en contact avec Maître Bakary TOGORA dont les informations sont les suivantes : Vous avez gagné 250.000€ suite à un tirage au sort. CABINET JURIDIQUE MAITRE BAKARY TOGORA. Adresse Mail: cabinet_consultant.togorab@hotmail.fr Contact Téléphonique: (+22) 546 077 726. Adresse Permanente : 20 Avenue du Général De Gaulle, Plateau Rue du Commerce, Immeuble le petit Bassam, Abidjan. Numéro de la fondation : +1 347 434 5496 LA DIRECTION DES OPERATIONS. __._,_.___ Répondre en mode Web Répondre à expéditeur ...
Share 64 3 Share 3 1 Tweet 64 Women mostly in South and Central Africa, and Indonesia are carrying out a horrific practice known as ‘ Dry Sex’ which not only leaves them in pain but at increased risk of HIV. Dailymail Report Dry sex is a practice where women reduce moisture in their vaginas in order to make intercourse more pleasurable for men. This according to reports can lead to cuts, sores and inflammation in the vagina, and increases the chance of a condom breaking. These factors in turn increase the chance of the women contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It is borne out of a cultural belief that men find sex more pleasurable if a woman’s vagina is dry, and that men will reject women whose vaginas have been ‘stretched out’ by sex. To achieve dryness, women insert, chalk, sand, pulverized rock, herbs, paper or sponges before sex, according to journalist Ms Syfret, who has reported o...
http://www.inyenyerinews.org/amakuru-2/the-paul-kagame-doctrine-after-20-years/ African leaders have just concluded a mini summit in Luanda, Angola, to discuss the conflict in DRC and the diplomatic showdown between South Africa and Rwanda. It is reported, as usual, that a "Luanda Declaration" was signed, and President Zuma and President Kagame "agreed" to talk to "resolve" the impasse between their two countries. The latest quarrel between South Africa and Rwanda is due to the assassination of Colonel Patrick Karegeya in South Africa on 31/12/2013 and another attempted assassination on General Kayumba Nyamwasa a couple of weeks ago. Is this new ground for hope, or it is the usual diplomatic hype, postponing the problem to a later date? This writer firmly believes it is the latter. A good foreign policy champions, defends and protects a country's ( read people's) national interests. It seeks friends and...
http://glpost.com/rwanda-leader-paul-kagame-gets-jewish-embrace-human-rights/ Great Lakes Post Website: http://www.glpost.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatlakespost Twitter: Great Lakes Post@greatlakespost __._,_.___ Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) ---------------------------------------------------------- The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless. More News: http://changingaf...
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: MUSABYIMANA JEAN DE DIEU <musajados@yahoo.fr> To: Democracy Human grpe <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr>; cliir Antoine <cliir2004@yahoo.fr>; CORWABEL ASBL <corwabel@gmail.com>; leprophete umuhanuzi <lepropheteu@yahoo.com>; ijwiryarubanda ijwiryarubanda <ijwiryarubanda@ijwiryarubanda.com> Sent: Monday, 31 March 2014, 11:34 Subject: *DHR* pétition à l' Union Européenne contre l'arrivée du criminel kagame Soutenez les étudiants en signant contre l'arrivée du plus grand criminel de l'histoire de l'humanité à Bruxelles. signer ici svp!: https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/LUnion_Europeenne_Conseil_de_securite_de_lONU_Contre_la_visite_du_Hitler_Paul_Kagame_le_criminel_a_la_tete_du_Rwanda/edit L'Union Européenne. Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU: Contre la visite du Hitler...
Nyirubwite "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana yarabyivugiye ko kontaro ye izamara amezi atandatu. Ubwo iyo comisiyo nayo izamara amezi atandatu. Ngira ngo kandi mwiboneye igisubizo cya Barreau ya Québec yemeza ko "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana atigeze aba avocat muri Kanada! Ahasigaye ababishoye mwatwohereza cya gisigo cya "Maître Corbeau Et Le Renard". -- SIBOMANA Jean Bosco Google+: https://plus.google.com/110493390983174363421/posts YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9B4024D0AE764F3D http://www.youtube.com/user/sibomanaxyz999 ***Online Time:15H30-20H30, heure de Montréal.***Fuseau horaire domestique: heure normale de la côte Est des Etats-Unis et Canada (GMT-05:00)*** __._,_.___ Reply via web post ...
Komera Agnes. Kiriya kiganiro cyahise kuri Radio Flash FM naracyumvise ariko nasanze nta gishya kiri mo, ari propagande isanzwe ya FPR igamije gushyushya imitwe y'abantu ngo bareke gutekereza ku bikorwa bindi bishobora kuzahura uRwanda muri rusange. Njye yaba Jannette yaba Habumuremyi ndetse n'undi wese uzava muri RPF simpamya ko azatsinda amatora yo muri 2017. Nemeranya n'iyi Raporo ya AFRICOM k' uRda yo muri 2011 aho ivuga ko RPF yamaze urwayo, ko rero yagombye kujya ku ruhande, ikareka n'abandi bakayobora. Pour votre info: Excerpts from: Rwanda : assessing risks to stability By Jennifer G. Cooke Center for Strategic & International Studies Washington, DC June 2011 ( http://csis.org/files/publication/110623_Cooke_Rwanda_Web.pdf ) ======================================= "The elections in 2017 could be a moment for a significant pol...
Mme Vidal La première caractéristique d'un blanc menteur c'est de faire comme si la tragédie rwandaise avait commencé le 6 Avril 1994, et de chercher les preuves là où elles ne sont pas, c'est-à-dire au détour de petites phrases prononcées par des personnes qui ne maîtrisent pas la langue, qui étaient enflammées ou qui sont malmenées par leurs interrogateurs. Quand vous parlez de planification du génocide, vous oubliez ceux à qui il a profité et qui avant tout le monde ont commis des exactions contre la population civile. La rancœur accumulée par les hutus contre les tutsis a été notamment été favorisée par le nettoyage ethnique opéré par le FPR dans les régions de Byumba et Ruhengeri, ce qui a eu pour résultat, un million de réfugiés entassés aux portes de Kigali. Parler du génocide et omettre de parler de cette situation est un mensonge par omission. Disons comme vous l'affirmez que l'attentat n'a...
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Theobald Gakwaya <tgakwaya@yahoo.com> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 19:31 Subject: Re: *DHR* RADIO IMPALA. Abatekereje gushyiraho Radio yo kumara abaturage ubwoba ngo baharanire uburenganzira bwabo bagize neza cyane Ariko se niba barabwiye uwo mugiraneza ko Radio Impala ari iyo gufasha opposition politique Rwandaise kugira acces kuri Medias Noneho yaba yarabaye umwihariko w'amashyaka amwe gusa bigenze bite? Mbese ariko byagenze nta buriganya bwo bwaba burimo? Mbese uwo mugiraneza yaba yari agamije gufasha gusa plateforme RNC-FDU-Amahoro Congres? Nimukomeze kutuvunguriraho natwe tumenye ukuri, Rwaka On Friday, March 28, 2014 2:06 PM, "majaribu1987@yahoo.fr" <majaribu1987@yahoo.fr> wrote: ...
Depuis les 5 dernières années, les experts sur le Rwanda n'écrivent plus des livres sur le génocide rwandais. La plupart ont disparu parce qu'ils ont honte de leurs écrits sur le Rwanda considérant que certains éléments de la vérité sur le Rwanda sont maintenant connus ou que le Rwanda avec son dictateur Kagame sont vus d'une manière différente. Mme Vidal est en train de les rejoindre. From: Rwembe Charlie <rwembe6030@yahoo.fr> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 15:18 Subject: Re: *DHR* Claudine Vidal s'est réveillée en disant: "Et moi aussi, et moi aussi" Mme Vidal, Pourquoi ne reagissez-vous pas aux nombreuses reactions qu'a suscite votre interview? J'attends tjrs de lire votre reaction aux reactions des netters...
Why Africa Realities Media Is Different
Africa Realities Media speaks to Africa and to the developed world. Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states and ruling elites, but they are often protected by international silence, lobbying, public relations, trade interests, migration deals and unequal global accountability. While governments pay lobbyists to present a good image abroad, ordinary African people continue to face violence, hunger, disease, poverty, repression and exclusion. We challenge the normalisation of African suffering and demand equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.
Pourquoi Africa Realities Media est différent?
Africa Realities Media s’adresse à l’Afrique et au monde développé. De nombreux abus subis par les peuples africains sont commis par des États africains et des élites dirigeantes, mais ils sont souvent protégés par le silence international, le lobbying, les relations publiques, les intérêts commerciaux, les accords migratoires et une responsabilité mondiale inégale. Tandis que des gouvernements paient des lobbyistes pour présenter une bonne image à l’étranger, des Africains ordinaires continuent de faire face à la violence, à la faim, aux maladies, à la pauvreté, à la répression et à l’exclusion. Nous contestons la normalisation de la souffrance africaine et exigeons une vérité égale, une justice égale et une protection égale.
Policy and Systems Change
Our work is designed to trigger debate, discomfort and action. We do not only expose injustice; we work for policy and systems change.
We want governments and institutions to address the root causes of inequality, disadvantage, discrimination, exclusion and barriers affecting African people. We believe lasting change must be shaped by people with lived experience.
Exposing Injustice in Africa
Africa Realities Media is an independent African accountability platform based in London. We report, analyse and challenge the systems that shape African suffering, silence African victims and protect abusive power.
We are not here to repeat diplomatic language. We are here to ask the questions that are often avoided: why are African deaths treated as normal? Why are African victims given less urgency? Why are governments that imprison, exclude, displace or kill their own people protected when they serve powerful international interests?
Africa Realities Media gives space to writers, researchers, experts, activists, community voices, campaigners, analysts and people with lived experience who want to contribute thoughtful, responsible and courageous content about the changes needed in the region, as well as the political, economic, cultural and social African realities that are often ignored, minimised or misrepresented.
Our articles and videos aim to encourage debate, raise awareness, stimulate critical thinking and support reflection. We seek to help people in the Great Lakes Region understand their rights to human rights, development and wellbeing, while also encouraging decision-makers to be more transparent, responsive and accountable.
Comments
Post a Comment