Daniel Black speaks out following his viral commencement speech at Clark Atlanta University (CAU). The author and professor touched on what the moment meant for HBCU graduates everywhere.
Black’s encouraging message told graduates that they were fulfilling a destiny first initiated by their ancestors. His speech signaled to all HBCU graduates, especially at CAU, that their accomplishments made them part of a legacy.
Black spoke with HBCU Gameday about his memorable address at the May 18 commencement. He told the publication that so much was “at stake” when CAU’s President asked him to speak. Black, an alum and long-time professor at the university, accepted the request with pride and a sense of obligation.
“And when the president of Clark Atlanta University, Dr. French, asked me, of course I was overwhelmed. I was elated. But I said, “This has got to be good. It’s got to be right.” Because, again, so much at stake, I knew he was taking a chance,” explained Black.