Jackson State University News December 12, 2015 Graduate commencement speaker Scott: Look toward future, but don’t overlook past As a woman of many firsts, keynote speaker and Mississippi College School of Law Dean Wendy B. Scott delivered four key points during Friday evening’s Fall 2015 graduate commencement ceremony at Jackson State University in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center. Scott is the first African-American to serve in her current capacity at MC. She congratulated and reminded graduates of the importance of family and the legacy of ancestors, who fought valiantly for civil rights and the liberation movements in the South. Meanwhile, JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers spoke optimistically of what the future holds for those getting masters’ and doctorate degrees. “We celebrate you as you go from this occasion out into the world to share your talents and gifts. You will light up the dark corners of this world with a four-letter word: Hope.” ‘Inequality and disenfranchisement’ Mississippi native Scott is also a distinguished lawyer, teacher, legal scholar, administrator and community leader. Born in Natchez, she said while struggles of the past were not confined to a single geographical area, she drew parallels to the future and past. She recounted incidents told by her sisters of being chased by dogs and mowed down by high-powered water hoses in Princess Anne, Md., where some college students attempted to integrate bus stations and other public accommodations. Moreover, she cites the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as her true awakening because it led to cities going up in flames from the “frustrations of continuing inequality and disenfranchisement.” Shortly thereafter – amid instability and inflamed passions – she said she was tapped to attend a top high school. Rather than protesting, she embraced the event that ultimately spurred her to apply to Harvard University and later to NYU Law School. Because of the sacrifices of those who risked their lives to improve her future, Scott developed a reverence to King and other activists. Consequently, she urged the 180 graduates receiving master’s degrees and 54 receiving doctoral degrees to embrace four points that influenced her personal and professional development: Key lessons to remember Lesson 1: “Never give yourself all the credit for your accomplishments. We must never forget the sacrifices of those who made it possible for us to be here today. … God-fearing men and women gave up their dreams and even died so that you and I could experience success today.” Lesson 2: “Never underestimate your own abilities. For many years, as a young attorney, I allowed people in the profession to make me doubt myself.” Fortunately, she said, a dear friend and mentor helped her gain confidence. Lesson 3: “Know your history.” Scott said that while in high school, she taught herself about the roles of African-Americans in the development of this nation because it was not part of the curriculum. “Sadly that remains true in many districts across the country today. … As the Scriptures teach, people perish from a lack of knowledge.” Lesson 4: “We must all have the courage, commitment and compassion to work toward social and economic equality for all citizens.” She said one way to accomplish this is by voting. “Whatever you can do to further the cause of justice, do it in remembrance of those whose lives are chronicled right here on this campus in the COFO Civil Rights Education Center.” Scott suggested to the newly degreed graduates that they, too, must prepare themselves to become change-agents like those who paved the way decades earlier. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance/ 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.