Donovan Livingston's Harvard Graduate School of Education Student Speech

May 25, 2016 Convocation Speech. Full remarks transcribed here: www.gse.harvard...
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Since its founding in 1920, the Harvard Graduate School of Education has been training leaders to transform education in the United States and around the globe. Today, our faculty, students, and alumni are studying and solving the most critical challenges facing education: student assessment, the achievement gap, urban education, and teacher shortages, to name just a few. Our work is shaping how people teach, learn, and lead in schools and colleges as well as in after-school programs, high-tech companies, and international organizations. The HGSE community is pushing the frontiers of education, and the effects of our entrepreneurship are improving the world.

[@40camelsaday]

As a Swede, I did understand every word this young men said. and now I am smiling from east to west.

[@dennis4837]

Is Sweden still a country?

[@flickcogswell220]

As a Swede your country should open the flood gates and we will ship over as many of these young men as your socialist state can handle , then that smile from east to west will turn north / south as your country goes down the shit tubes. Good luck

[@dennis4837]

Sweden's Muslim population are their version of American blacks. How are all those Muslims working out for you, Sweden?

[@albundy2666]

Is Sweden now a muslim Country?

[@albundy2666]

Otto Von Skidmark sad....and u swedish people dont do anything against this shit?

[@regg829]

As a single father of 4 young men brought me to actual tears. The speech was powerful and will share this with my sons. Donovan you are AMAZING.

[@rmgdmv2786]

It's a speech about potential and allowing the next generation to exceed our expectations of what is possible. An angry/frustrated child sometimes is just the most aware. They want answers not excuses and limits. There is the potential for greatness in everyone.

[@sukmahadinovandi7963]

Amazing

[@Ahmed-ty1ko]

"I've always been a thorn in the side of injustice" - these words hit the core of my existence.

[@HikerToo]

That is what will make "America Great Again", not a bumper sticker on your truck.

[@pops1507]

Wake up...the speech WAS a bumper sticker.

[@Mak2Grim]

@@pops1507 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rafaelacruz5301]

The comments here are just more proof of how necessary his speech is. it is 2016 and people still think it's somewhat outrageous to have a young black man speak from a place of academic excellence.

[@devonperryman1262]

I don't ever comment on social media, but this was moving. This young man brought hope and I wish him the best. He is an inspiration. A true reality to what's to come from the believers. He should be honored. He is the light in a darkened day. His words should be remembered forever.

[@johntobey1558]

This man is full of rage and indignation. If he waa from Appalachia, or tge coal mines of Pennsylvania with a regional dialect from coal country, Would you cheer as loudly?

[@tridinh1011]

​@@johntobey1558 uhm, if he is as capable as he can speak, then yes, it makes no difference

[@willismarsh44]

and that is how you inspire a generation

[@pops1507]

Sorry....the folks at the cemetery in Chicago don't agree.

[@TrunkMonkey3000]

+Pops150 CHICONGO*

[@jacobstienburg8424]

WOW SO BRAVE I CRY EVERYTIM

[@joeshmo95]

It's brave to preach exactly what the popular media propagates every five seconds? That's news to me.

[@Dreccomel193]

True inspiration... Congratulations on your achievements. You didn't just graduated from Harvard, you surpassed her ignorance and despite all the pain she caused you thrived...

[@faithismine53]

The "Word" is a powerful tool. For this young man to combine the "historical experience" with vivid, impactful and inspiring words that bring the history into a visualization adding textual content is awesome!! Congratulations Donovan job well done!!

[@aw5609]

What historical experience did he actually experience?

[@TrunkMonkey3000]

+Bud Ertz KANG AND KWEENZ!!! FROM DA CLASSROOM TO DA PLANTATION!!!

[@aw5609]

***** Sheeit

[@GwenHill]

WoW! To all the debaters and haters and everybody else, stay for the whole speech and LIFT OFF! To Donovan: I'm blown away and just overflowing with…everything. Thank you. I know you will, as my pastor (Solomon Kinloch, Jr.) says, "make your blessings evident in the lives of others."

[@FrankQuinn]

Thanks Donovan! I just played this for my 17 year old daughter and she was clearly inspired!

[@tailboard]

Excellent! Those of us born without privilege would do well to heed these words. We and we alone have the ability to rise out of poverty and ignorance. Though we must work harder than many who are born to privilege, we can be proud of having overcome our disadvantages on our own. We will be better than those who had it easier than we.

[@tailboard]

+Otto Von Skidmark it aint skin color. its socioeconomic status which is highly correlated with skin color. But that is my whole point. Whatever people think about their disadvantages, no one is going to do more to help them than themselves. Eapecially not a government.

[@97buzzer]

People didn't choose to be born into privileged families, whether you "rise out of poverty" or reach whatever you deem as success doesn't make you any better of a person than someone who had it the "easy way".

[@tailboard]

Dan B I respectfully disagree. Maybe not at everything but a harder trial makes one better than one with an easier trial in that one respect. IMO

[@stevechang949]

We shouldn't have to. It's not suppose to be there to "overcome" and then not have your extraordinary effort/achievements recognized but only considered "adequate."

[@aespino91ae]

true, totally agree

[@TheMediaAnarchist]

absolutely amazing my brother. may God bless your journey.

[@libbyyoutubing]

WOW. Mr. Livingston, I wish I knew you! So inspiring. Thank you!

[@mohammedessa29]

we need more voices like this

[@Crushteet]

I really don't understand why people are so mad... Anyhow, GREAT SPEECH!!

[@tripple6566]

Haaz Bailey there mad because he has so much melanin in his skin and he's making a name for himself.

[@yvonnesmith-hendricks5524]

My Grandchildren will know this" Spoken Word" thank you for sharing your soul, your authentic self!

[@sunfruit8251]

So true!!! I LOVE that he used his platform to bravely speak the truth about injustice, boldly talks about rising and shining with all power and might, and courageously reaches back to pull up another!!!!! My BEAUTIFUL BLACK BROTHER, I'm proud of you!!!!!

[@nomfundobrukwe3836]

I am so inspired by this speech, all the way from South Africa I am going to apply for my MASTERS in HGSE and hope I get in. Thank you Donovan for being an inspiration to me and others.

[@sirrooster1541]

Did you get in?

[@April5525]

All educators need to hear this

[@aw5609]

No they dont

[@peauntbutterxboy93]

+Oron Sek yes they should

[@MEDspiration]

Let's give respect where it's due, this is incredibly artsy & should be viewed as nothing but empowering to all individuals on this planet.

[@MrMoonbat69]

Wonderful, poetic and heartfelt words! Let us challenge poverty and injustice , and make sure every child has access to an excellent and meaningful education......We all belong among the stars!!

[@giodavegiordano7508]

As a 6th grade outdoor science teacher. I thank you Donovan.

[@msluvlee717]

The speech is not about racism!!!!!!! It is about society and what we except as truths! It is asking the question who gets to determine what makes a good education and why is that "education" a defining quality of HUMANS!!!

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

No matter how many times I view this I am always moved to yet another level of love for education to all.

[@helencherry9133]

Fantastic! Interesting to note, I have heard this speech 3 different times, presented by 3 different professors, in 3 different courses, for different reasons. The speech was made 5 years ago, yet it is timeless with hope and inspiration. If this was how he was feeling then, imagine what he is feeling now, and his students will be lucky!

[@bdized]

The world needs more of this.

[@acwyatt1279]

Wow. He's going to go onto big things,

[@BridgetteLDavis]

YES! Thank you Donovan! You are sharing a message that so many need to hear. If we are to bring about equity in education it will take many more men and women like you to shout it from the mountain tops and the valleys. Use your platform to transform education for ALL!

[@EdwardSimbanegavi]

Boy do we have some ignorant commenters here. Some probably didn't listen to the whole speech and yet here they are trying to start a debate. People's ignorance amazes me

[@CrasherX2000]

exactly its stupid

[@pops1507]

Ah done lissen to de hole speech, homes, and I done posted jes' above youh a**.

[@sisbrawny]

What's wrong with debate?

[@nubiadivina]

"What's wrong with debate?" -- being on the wrong side of it . . .

[@sisbrawny]

nubiadivina facepalm..

[@Monphyow]

awesome inspirational speech. The sky is not the limit. it's the beginning. So, Lift off!

[@oneidaappolonia8008]

"no, the sky is not the limit, lift off" To Donovon: May you live long and Prosper. I wish happiness and blessings to you and your family.

[@lillianlakes]

An absolutely beautiful, inspiring and deep delivery. Thanks!

[@17dgoudy]

this is powerful. "I belong amount the stars, so do you, and so do they! beautiful!

[@jagsl123]

What an inspirational speech, the young man truly deserved the standing ovation

[@luluhillman3808]

I just love this young man speech and what he stands for

[@pinkangel-36]

The point of the speech to me was for educators to really dig deep and help kids in that are in strife. Show them they truly matter and can make something of themselves thru education despite their circumstances. Encourage them and really help those kids in need to believe they can do anything in life successfully.

[@1daful]

This was so awesome! It's a beautiful thing to see men and women achieve their goals, while planning for the future.

[@MissyCreant]

Do explain what you are talking about. Or do you even know what you're talking about?

[@1daful]

How did you get that from that speech? I'd hate to think an educated man (at least that's what "Dr." implies) is predisposed to bias against a young African American male.

[@treblematic]

when i feel down, this video cheers me up once more. "we are born to be comets"

[@charlesamoah6672]

You are America's future President. Great speech. You are the soul of America. Good luck.

[@Freakeh411]

Awesome. His imagery is beautiful.

[@spacejammerzs]

Inspiring. So proud to know you Donovan!

[@josephinekennedy9285]

Beautiful. Inspiring. Thank you. I would love to have a teacher like you.

[@MissyCreant]

Young man trying to be positive, and all the haters come out. Why are you haters so frightened?

[@UnpopularOpinionByNkiruka]

Excellent Speech Mr. Donovan Livingston. We need more positive black male role models for our young black black males. We need more educators like you Mr. Donovan. Thank you for being authentically you and shining your light so that others can shine as well.

[@UnpopularOpinionByNkiruka]

"The sky is not the limit it is only the beginning" WOW love this line!!!

[@stanfrymann]

Sounds nice...what does it actually MEAN?

[@stanfrymann]

Kirinin Kiri Funny, I thought it was just a harmless and pretty meaningless platitude. But I didn't go to Harvard, only Berkeley. And I'm getting older. I guess I missed it. It means that he wants the students to go into space? Interesting. Things are going so badly for me that long ago I was awarded Phi Beta Kappa and now I'm not sure I can spell it. So I guest it shouldn't be too surprising that I didn't realize that "The sky is not the limit it is only the beginning" is more than a meaningless platitude. I didn't catch that it meant he wanted people to actually go into space. Thanks for explaining.

[@morelife4127]

You didnt go to Berkeley.

[@stanfrymann]

The Plug Actually, yes I did. Class of '72. And finding "The sky is not the limit, it is only the beginning" to be a meaningless platitude hardly qualifies me as a "white power nut job." Just in case I'm getting senile (always a possibility) why don't you explain the meaning of this insightful line to me. It sounds like something someone would say who is from the generation raised on the "you can be anything you want to be" nonsense. You can TRY to be anything you want to be...but success may be improbable. Consequently, we have bumper crops of theater arts majors, and ............. (fill in the blank) studies majors with huge student loans and no job prospects. Go ahead, The Plug, help an old man out. Explain the deep meaning of "The sky is not the limit......" Kiri says it means "... it mean that if people wanted to become stars and be amazing they had to go beyond the sky.. into space..." What's your theory? By the way. Please help me out. What does FOH mean? I looked at a string of 58 possibilities. Friend of Hillary? Force of Habit? Flow of History? I kind of like Flow of History since I was a history major. I guess, "Do what you love and the money will follow" hadn't been codified yet, but the idea was out there.

[@dzchk]

One of the best poetry/speeches I've heard. Had to watch it again 4 years later.

[@Ironic_Travels]

bright young man right there....

[@biohazard737]

full of passion and well-delivered!

[@joonhaelee243]

I visit here regularly for enjoying his rhythmical & inspirational speech. If he had drawn the audience's snap/clap/rejoice, it would be the historic speech!! Wish him the best.

[@crystalh361]

This is my daughter's email address. I've never put one together for myself . . . never really interested. This story on GMA interested me enough to take a peak. Some of you have really amazed me. This was absolutely beautiful!! As I listened, the imagery was so amazingly powerful that I came away with goosebumps!! How lucky had I been?? I was beyond grateful that this kid shared something so personal and moving with us all. ( P. S. I'm an old white woman . . . make of that what you will! )

[@sleshstamp]

Amazing speech. Very heartfelt and sincere.

[@raajrawa7350]

i just farted

[@brodwellington1626]

To say this is inspirational from such a relatively youngman is an understatement. Fantastic and all your students should count themselves lucky to have you as their teacher. Well done.

[@lil----lil]

Young man... MAD RESPECT FOR YOU!

[@TriciaN13]

Thank you to all the teachers who inspire their students to use their gifts in positive ways as did Mr Livingston's teacher. To all the people trolling these comments ..go do something good for someone else it will make you feel better:)

[@daniesavage]

Beautiful words I love it. What an inspiration. I'm a poet and a teacher too Don! *throws up fist*

[@Miguel-ly4bm]

Dang, where do you teach? So I can make sure my kids don't attend that school. thank you

[@jamalmaxey2451]

+Miguel Estrada go to hell

[@dorothyd.wright1826]

miguel estrada are not vert smart. Make sure you children go to school. It would be a pity for them to learn from you

[@VicInNocal]

Like a black power fist, or what? Fuck that.

[@daniesavage]

VicInNocal A power fist means more power to you, you reject. dorothy d. wright agreed.

[@MrBteer]

"no, the sky is not the limit, lift off"

[@aporeticist]

As a non-American it was pretty weird to see so many comments on race. This speech is not about race. Sure he mentions it, the focus of the speech is not oppression or race. It's about the glory of education and how important it is so that we can further strive towards a better and better and better future.

[@lezzleee]

I think you're missing a lot of nuance about the American education system then. This was absolutely about race and the opportunities of the education system, which systemically favors white students over minority students through standardized testing, interview processes, funding and scholarships. The American school system favors white culture over black and minority culture, and creates obstacles and gateways for minorities to succeed. It's about changing and challenging the current education system, about finding a place in it as a minority, and the opportunity for education in America. Most of the speech talks about breaking down the hurdles that still exist and supporting younger (minority) students' right to and desire for equal education and opportunity. A lot of people will look at the success of a few minorities as proof that racism doesn't exist when in reality the success of excellent performing PoC is less common than the success of mediocre performing white people.

[@FRC9309]

What? It is absolutely about that. It is about oppression. It is about inequality of opportunities. It is about race. While the speech begins with this quote: “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, Is a great equalizer of the conditions of men.” It ends with this statement (in opposition to the quote): “Injustice is telling them they are stars Without acknowledging night that surrounds them. Injustice is telling them education is the key While you continue to change the locks. Education is no equalizer - Rather, it is the sleep that precedes the American Dream. So wake up - wake up! Lift your voices Until you’ve patched every hole in a child’s broken sky...”

[@neiliainc]

From one human being to the next. I like this spoken word poem. I like that it talks about the potential of education to be liberating and that, instead, sometimes education can be stifling. On another note, regarding the hateful comments: It's helpful to understand that race was socially constructed relatively recently to help people justify the slave trade at that time, even though the 'rights of man' was also being established, by labeling other races as inferior. Now that it is absolutely clear that people of any 'race' can be any kind of person, can we stop judging people by their 'race' and start seeing them as an individual? I am 'white'. I do not represent 'white' people, nor do 'white' people represent me. The 2/3rds of the world lacking basic living conditions, and the people that prevent those basic human needs being met, include people of every colour and creed. Divided we lose, together we can all do better. One love

[@ReuJoh]

Genius! So proud of this young man.

[@yujeongchoi1687]

WOW. Mr. Livingston, I wish I knew you! So inspiring. Thank you! The world needs more of this.

[@Nightsu]

Great Speech, just sad to see the ignorance in the comments of people who cant accept it, and the uneducated people who try to turn this against him without watching the whole thing because of blind arrogance.

[@Noah_McCurry]

It actually makes me sad to see so much ignorance, people on here talking about how we all struggle yet they are blind to their own privilege and are too arrogant to accept that it's possible some people have it harder than them.

[@bdmenne]

+Noah McCurry You know how fucking hard it is for whites/non blacks to play basketball, so we don't bother playing. We bow down to Ali and Jordan, but when it is our Privilege time to shine, we must pump the brakes and slow down and refuse to shine. I call that Black abuse/non-black racism. Talk about injustice. Do you understand how blacks build racist attitudes in Whites? A pregnant black woman as me for $2 so she could get a ticket for a greyhound to see her mom, only thing was an ancient black woman/man no teeth and lipstick first said I hit him when backing up at night at a light. Is it my fault she got knocked up, why is she so far from Cleveland?/Mom? And why was this sketchy/Old doing all the talking. Whites "working" with the Grievance Industry is killing us at ever turn. If they were white, I would turn her skanky ass down. Explain how my White Guilt will lead me to Shine like him on stage? And you who are not white could give a fuck. We are slave masters orATNs.

[@Noah_McCurry]

+Bryan M haha nice lmao

[@bdmenne]

+Noah McCurry not nice. Wasn't trying to be funny, savage Commie.

[@Noah_McCurry]

Bryan M alright bud

[@ozcrocco]

Worth rewatching every few months. Great work Donovan!

[@maryschaefer8265]

Ozzie, I do this. I set it a reminder to show up in my inbox monthly.

[@lll9445]

Thank you Donovan for your generous contributions for the continued movement to abolish racism, inspire education to change the ignorant minds of many. Your speech made me emotional but more importantly, inspired me in so many ways. Thank you and continued success for upward mobility for the greatness of all beings.

[@ing360]

So unique. So special. So powerful!

[@sunilsemail1]

Amazing young man. Sad that people (even in so called developed societies) find some reason or the other to criticize anything and everything.

[@elohim8696]

Absolutely scintillating, the amount of work that has gone into that speech is phenomenal, truly inspiring words. Thank your Donovan.

[@maryschaefer8265]

Donovan Livingston, I am so inspired by your speech. I was so enthralled I could barely breathe while listening to you. You are a gift to the world.

[@ruthculham737]

Thanks, Lester, for posting this. Everyone should watch, listen, and rejoice.

[@sm__akash]

i had to watch this for my speech exam, man I spent a whole sleepless night deciphering this poem line by line. what a terrific night that was. by the way, I should say it is a great poem

[@evoxpressforealforeal7606]

love u Donovan ...don't know u but have much live for u

[@1920mmaa]

Hey Hey!! to all those who have something negative to say, you hate yourself. Know matter how you may feel about this speech or spoken word. Know matter how you try and twist it to be "rhetoric"or deem it to be unessecary, understand and listen to the motive. LIVE LIFE TO THE MAXIMUM OF YOUR POTENTIAL!!! I can understand the hate coming from those who dont believe that they can do that, but if you feel that you can or already are be inspired! STOP HATING PEOPLE!!!

[@juliaanthony226]

Thank you, Mr. Livingston. Just thank you.

[@cindyrobert2118]

This is the most beautiful and inspiring speech i have heard this year!

[@trishatesado4373]

"When I look at my students in the eyes, all I see are constellations. If you take the time to connect the dots, you can plot the true shape of their genius shining in their darkest hour" - Donovan Livingston I like this man. We need more people like him in the education sector. Some kids just need to have a person in their life who sees their potential and believes in their talent 💖

[@Stadno]

Wow.. I'm blown away he had this kind of knowledge & skill at his age. Marvelous.

[@tjsmind]

Watch this video like everyday. Dude is something special.

[@Fxrgxtten_Smile]

this speech was amazing!! it is changing me for the better, i wanted to say thank you for sending this video!

[@sphippen522]

I love your speech i feel you will change the world my friend

[@toemasmeems]

Beautiful. I’ve watched this speech many times over now and i always seem find something new to learn. Creative, intuitive, boundary pushing, authentic, astronomical and most important relatable.This man has spilled a part of his soul for us all, what an inspiration.

[@macmac7396]

I find it interesting the dislikes to this speech.. This young man did a great job of expressing himself and how he has overcome the doubt and labels place on him by the oppressors. The oppressors are beginning to retreat because all of the truths that they've tried to hide is coming to light. I applaud this young brotha for having the courage to look at the oppressors right in their eyes and tell them I can overcome your roadblocks and still excel by your rules..

[@demarjef]

EDUCATION is the only liberator. My father told me life can strip you of everything, money, status, job, health, but you will always retain your education... Coming from a tiny island lost in the Ocean, I applied to Oxford and was refused, I didn't have the correct result they said... I didn't accept their answer and told them THEY would miss out... Challenged, they called me for an interview, I was successfully accepted. I did two diplomas in one go & ended with a First. Life isn't a flat sea, there are ups & downs, but you should believe in you and in your talents: EVERYBODY is gifted, find your gift and make it bloom, truly Sky is the beginning. THANK-YOU DONOVAN to encourage the multitude of minority students who fight to achieve their best (black in a white majority or white in a black majority, or simply poor against all) especially across the developing world

[@whisperingsage]

No, he is sharp, he knows how to speak, he holds the audience ' attention. We should watch him and see what he does with his natural gift. We may be pleased.

[@Axemvision]

This was about his personal experience... And I feel it's also mine. Being poor, picked on, told the sky was the limit yet stopped dead at every rung of the ladder. He beat the game on it's highest difficulty. I love this.

[@taylorcustis6630]

He is the only black man on the stage! Look at him towering like the black king he is!! Yes Jesuss!

[@09666slayer]

WUZ

[@h.smithnicole4956]

WOW. Mr. Livingston, I wish I knew you! So inspiring. Thank you! when i feel down, this video cheers me up once more. "we are born to be comets"

[@margrethill5022]

I balling, this is so inspiring.

[@johnstevenson9072]

Deeply inspiring. We need a Donovan Livingston in every classroom.

[@robertdouglasgay9449]

THIS AMAZING SPEECH BROUGHT TEARS. LOTS AND LOTS OF TEARS. YOU GO, MY BROTHER!!!

[@Talwyn22]

Bravo Donovan - beautiful speech!

[@TheFbliss6]

This made my heart so full. I am proud of him! I have so much motivation entering my 1L year at WVU Law from this video.

[@izzybambino9812]

Its sad that race is being focused on in the comment section even though the speech is about the power of education, i guess the racial divide in the US is bigger than i thought and is blinding people, Love from London

[@cellisa2]

Amen!

[@1basketeveryday]

wooooow is that a joke

[@zillertalernazihass]

for real

[@practiseenglishwithpete102]

@@PlzPr3sspl4y And now they are about to vote for an ignorant racist twice!

[@Blkdog200]

Yeah, if you look further into the comment section, you'll find even more divison. The U.S. must be bored, and looking everywhere for a fight.

[@tabithamcrae147]

Fam this was truly inspiring..I come back and listen to this just to lift my spirts whenever needed ❤

[@jamesmodlin4458]

there's some beautiful imagery in his articulation.

[@KimMessengerOfRap]

POWERFUL AND ELOQUENT! LOVED IT AND CONGRATULATIONS!

[@thearkissinking5889]

as said in another comment,his words should be remembered forever.... but i just cant get over what the guy on his left is smiling so eagerly at.

[@Datpmp505]

I'm not usually inspired by people who are younger than I am but this guy is definitely something special and I admire him!

[@lancehylau3253]

Beautiful.Simply beautiful.

[@sugarcookiecube]

AMAZING!!! This kind of young man gives me hope for this country's future.