Success and Gratitude:
Robert F. Smith emphasizes that earning a college degree is a remarkable achievement, but it’s also a result of communal support and guidance. He acknowledges the significance of the community, family, and mentors who have contributed to the graduates’ success.

Morehouse’s Legacy:
Smith expresses his admiration for Morehouse College’s rich history and its mission to promote the advancement and development of African American men. He acknowledges the efforts of past Morehouse graduates who paved the way for the current class.

Education as a Social Contract:
Smith views the college degree not just as a document, but as a social contract that calls on graduates to use their talents and energies to honor those who came before them.

Challenges of the Modern World:
Smith highlights the complex world that the graduates are entering, citing issues like Black Lives Matter, the Me Too movement, climate change, and the blurring of fact and fiction. He acknowledges the challenges posed by these issues and the need for graduates to address them.

Historical Context and Resilience:
Smith emphasizes the resilience of the African American community, noting that his family has been in the United States for eight or nine generations. He draws a parallel between the current uncertainties and the challenges faced by previous generations.

African American Struggles for Equal Rights:
Despite contributions to the nation’s development, African Americans faced significant challenges in securing their rights as citizens.

Land Ownership and Access:
The Freedmen’s Bureau was established to provide land to formerly enslaved individuals, but the program was canceled. Access to land through the Homestead Act and Southern Homestead Act was limited for African Americans.

Social Security and Voting Rights:
African Americans were excluded from Social Security benefits, denying them essential support. Voting rights granted to African Americans after the Civil War were suppressed through various means.

School Desegregation and Busing:
Forced school desegregation through busing aimed to promote equal education opportunities. The policy faced resistance and was discontinued after a few years, impacting educational outcomes.

Impact of Busing on the Black Community:
Busing to predominantly white schools had a transformative effect on the lives of African American students. It provided access to high-quality education, leading to professional success for many individuals.

Mrs. Brown’s House:
A safe and supportive environment for children in the community, providing guidance and mentorship. The influence of Mrs. Brown’s house contributed to the success of many individuals.

Success of Students from Bus Number 13:
Many students who were bussed to the predominantly white school went on to become professionals. This highlights the potential for equal opportunities to transform lives.

Contrast in Success Rates:
The success rate of those who missed the opportunity to attend the predominantly white school was lower. This disparity underscores the impact of unequal access to education and opportunities.

The Cycle of Resistance and Oppression:
African Americans have faced cycles of resistance, legislation, weakening of legislation, and renewed oppression. This cycle has persisted despite recent advancements in civil rights.

Injustice Still Persists:
Robert F. Smith emphasizes the ongoing injustices in society, such as unequal access to education, textbooks, and healthcare based on race and location.

Race-based Health Disparities:
African American women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer, and African American men are 2.3 times more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white individuals.

Racial Profiling and Police Brutality:
African Americans are more likely to be stopped by the police, issued tickets, and threatened with force compared to white individuals.

America’s Potential and Opportunities:
Despite the challenges, Smith believes America is an extraordinary country, where success can be achieved through intellectual capital, ideas, and courage, without the prerequisites of wealth or resources.

Technology and Economic Empowerment:
Smith emphasizes the role of technology in creating new pathways to economic success and the importance of acquiring tech skills for the African-American community.

Securing the Bag and Community Development:
Black men recognize that financial success alone is not enough; true success lies in protecting the community, realizing its potential, and owning businesses that provide economic stability.

Leadership and Action:
Smith urges the graduates to take action, overcome doubt, and embrace leadership to bridge the gap between the community and the American dream.

Defining Leadership and Destiny:
Leadership involves using one’s strength to create order and confront injustice. Racism is a persistent force, but one should keep pushing against it without dwelling on it.

The Importance of Hard Work and Expertise:
Success is not a shortcut; it requires dedication, long hours, and little pay in the beginning. True joy and fulfillment come from the process of working hard and developing expertise.

The Grind as a Path to Greatness:
Embrace the grind and become an expert in your craft through a thoughtful and intentional approach. Black leaders often have to work harder and grind more to achieve success.

Examples of Inspiring Black Leaders:
Bernard Tyson, Ken Frazier, Ken Chenault, Dick Parsons, Ursula Burns, and Barry Rand exemplify the Morehouse spirit of excellence. These leaders achieved greatness by consistently putting in the necessary effort and dedication.

Muhammad Ali’s Perspective on Hard Work:
Muhammad Ali famously said that he hated every minute of training but loved the feeling of accomplishment afterward. Hard work may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it.

Thoughtful Risk-Taking:
Leaving a stable job at Kraft General Foods to pursue an entrepreneurial venture in enterprise software. Calculating risks and investing in oneself as the most important asset. Understanding that risk-aversion may be a natural tendency, but not a necessary limitation.

Intentionality in Speech and Choices:
Being conscious of the words spoken and the impact they have. Defining oneself and surroundings positively. Emphasizing the importance of love and connection.

Self-Worth and Confidence:
Recognizing one’s value beyond salary. Demanding respect from others and from oneself. Gaining incremental skills and experiences through hard work. Allowing the quality of work to speak for one’s capabilities.

Liberating Others:
Accepting responsibility to help others reach their full potential. Creating opportunities for others to succeed. Recognizing that everyone has something to contribute.

Introduction:
Robert F. Smith emphasizes the significance of Morehouse College graduates contributing to society and building strong communities. He encourages them to seize opportunities, uplift others, and work towards a better future.

Responsibility as Leaders:
Morehouse graduates are called upon to become leaders in various fields, including politics, business, education, and entrepreneurship. They are urged to enact positive change, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and foster sustainable growth.

Community Building:
Smith stresses the importance of building strong communities, regardless of their size or location. He encourages graduates to be positive role models, inspire young people, and invest in their communities through real estate and business ventures.

Expanding Horizons:
Morehouse graduates are encouraged to think beyond their immediate surroundings and embrace the global community. Internship programs are highlighted as a means of exposing young minds to new opportunities and broadening their perspectives.

Small Gestures and Personal Connections:
Smith emphasizes the power of small gestures in building communities. He encourages graduates to support friends’ endeavors, console them in times of need, and treat everyone with dignity. The importance of personal connections, especially calling mothers, is emphasized.

Historical Context:
Smith recounts personal stories that underscore the importance of historical context and the progress achieved through generations of struggle. He emphasizes the significance of the civil rights movement and the election of the first African-American president.

The Arc of the Moral Universe:
Smith draws upon Martin Luther King Jr.’s concept of the “arc of the moral universe” to highlight the gradual but persistent progress towards justice. He emphasizes the role of unsung heroes in shaping this progress.

Conclusion:
Smith urges Morehouse graduates to respect the legacy of the unsung heroes who have paved the way for their success and to continue working towards a better future. He reminds them of their responsibility to contribute to the success of those around them and to leave a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Vision of Liberating People and Communities:
Robert F. Smith emphasizes the responsibility graduates have to contribute to the liberation of people and communities they come from.

Self-Empowerment and Greatness:
He urges graduates to use their skills, knowledge, and instincts to serve and change the world in their unique ways. He believes in their potential to achieve greatness and accomplish what others may deem impossible.

Importance of Unity and Support:
Smith encourages graduates to share their journey and support one another, referencing Dr. King’s sermon on love, justice, truth, and commitment.

Gratitude for Community and Family:
He acknowledges the support system that has helped graduates reach this milestone and expresses gratitude on behalf of his family’s eight generations in the country.

Debt Elimination for Class of 2019:
Smith announces a grant from his family to eliminate student loans for the entire Morehouse College class of 2019. He emphasizes the importance of paying it forward and ensuring equal opportunities for future classes.

Self-Sufficiency and Community Care:
Smith believes the Morehouse community is capable of taking care of its own, providing opportunities for all to achieve the American dream.

Closing Benediction:
He concludes his address with a traditional Irish blessing, wishing graduates sunshine, a favorable wind, and divine protection.