2024 Harvard Alumni Day Address - Courtney B. Vance

Harvard University2 minutes read

The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to have their credits read at the place where their career began, highlighting family support and the transitional time. They emphasize the importance of using time wisely, taking a stand for what is right, and encouraging intentional actions that uplift others.

Insights

  • The speaker highlights the importance of family support and gratitude for their career's beginnings, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's roots and the role loved ones play in personal success.
  • By quoting influential figures like Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the speaker underscores the timeless relevance of integrity and the need to stand up for what is right in the face of societal challenges, urging the audience to make intentional choices that uplift others and contribute to a better world.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the speaker's message about?

    The speaker emphasizes the importance of using time wisely, taking a stand for what is right, inspiring young individuals, and making choices that uplift others.

  • Who does the speaker acknowledge in their speech?

    The speaker acknowledges their family members, sister, uncle, the President, and the alumni family.

  • What historical examples does the speaker mention?

    The speaker mentions examples from 1864 and 1974.

  • What advice does the speaker give to the audience?

    The speaker advises the audience to make choices that uplift others, embrace their true selves, and maintain a tender heart while navigating life's uncertainties.

  • What is the overarching theme of the speaker's speech?

    The overarching theme of the speech is integrity, leadership, and making positive choices in challenging times.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Gratitude, Inspiration, and Uplift: Commencement Speech"

  • The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to have their credits read at the place where their career began, acknowledging their initial uncertainty and thanking their family members present.
  • The speaker honors their sister and uncle, highlighting their presence and achievements.
  • Acknowledgment is given to the weather cooperating and the importance of the transitional time, thanking the President and others for their roles.
  • The speaker appreciates the introduction and leadership during a challenging year, praising the passionate leadership.
  • Greetings are extended to the alumni family and live stream viewers, with a brief acknowledgment of their presence.
  • The speaker emphasizes the limited time available for their speech and the need to proceed efficiently.
  • Quoting Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the speaker emphasizes the importance of using time wisely and taking a stand for what is right.
  • The speaker recounts an event where they were asked to inspire young individuals and shares insights on the current societal challenges and the need for integrity.
  • Personal experiences are shared, including family tragedies and the importance of mental health awareness and support.
  • The speaker concludes by urging the audience to make choices that uplift others, highlighting the significance of intentional actions and historical examples of doing what is right despite challenges.

16:13

"Embracing Conscience: Navigating Life's Uncertainties"

  • In 1864, the people acted rightly, while in 1974, senators and congressmen did the same. The speaker questions if the current time, November 2024, calls for taking a stand based on conscience rather than safety, politics, or popularity.
  • A recent Harvard graduate, inspired by the speaker's message on doing the right thing, reflects on the challenges of reconciling idealism with the harsh realities of the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a tender heart while navigating life's uncertainties.
  • The speaker encourages the audience to embrace their true selves, quoting lyrics from "The Greatest Showman" to convey a message of self-acceptance and resilience. They urge kindness, respect, and integrity, emphasizing the impact of their actions on younger generations.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.