The graduation speeches by activists in recent years have left a profound impact on graduates worldwide. These individuals, known for their commitment to social change, have shared powerful insights and encouragement with those stepping into a new chapter of their lives.
Activists’ speeches often highlight the importance of empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right. They inspire graduates to use their education and skills to make a positive impact on society, advocating for equality and fairness.
The messages conveyed by these activists resonate with the graduating class, encouraging them to be socially conscious and actively contribute to building a better world. Themes of resilience, solidarity, and the pursuit of justice are common in these speeches, providing graduates with a moral compass as they embark on their journeys towards the rest of their life.
Maybe one of this speeches can inspire you too. Read them and let us know.
The list is a work in progress, so come back to check if there are new, interesting speeches.
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Carrie Chapman C
Carrie Chapman Catt, a pioneering leader in the women’s suffrage movement, visited Sweet Briar College in 1936. As a renowned suffragist and founder of the League of Women Voters, Catt played a pivotal role in securing the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. During her visit , she likely spoke about the importance of women’s involvement in politics and the ongoing struggle for gender equality, highlighting the significance of women’s rights and civic engagement.
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Naomi Wolf
Naomi Wolf’s visit to Scripps College in 1992 left a lasting impression on both students and faculty. As a renowned feminist author, journalist, and activist, Wolf brought her insightful perspectives on women’s rights and gender equality to the forefront of the discussion. During her talk, Wolf may have explored various aspects of feminism, the women’s movement, and the challenges women face in society, fostering a spirit of empowerment and advocacy among students and faculty.
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Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai, honored by Connecticut College, was a renowned environmentalist and the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an organization dedicated to tree planting, conservation, and women’s rights. She is the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and social activism. Maathai’s tireless efforts to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development in Kenya left an enduring legacy, Her work demonstrated the powerful connection between environmental protection and social progress.
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Ronan Farrow
Ronan Farrow, the accomplished journalist, human rights activist, and former diplomat, delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address at Dominican University of California in 2012. Farrow’s speech celebrated the importance of activism, global awareness, and the pursuit of justice. He encouraged graduates to be fearless in the face of injustice,to be advocates for human rights and to work towards a more equitable and compassionate society. Ronan Farrow’s address at Dominican University of California underscored the significance of individual actions in making a positive impact on the broader world.
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Angela Davis
Angela Davis, the influential civil rights activist, author, and scholar, delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address at Pitzer College in 2012. Davis’s speech celebrated the importance of social justice, activism, and the ongoing struggle for equality and human rights,encouraging graduates to challenge systems of oppression and inequality and to stand up for justice and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. She addresses the significance of activism and the ongoing fight for social justice in our world.
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Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist, journalist, and social activist, addressed the graduating class of Tufts University in 1987. Her commencement speech was a powerful call to action, urging graduates to champion gender equality and social justice. Steinem likely spoke passionately about the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and gender equality. She emphasized the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity, acknowledging that the fight for equality extends beyond gender. As a trailblazer in the feminist movement and a prominent writer, Steinem’s words would have resonated deeply with the graduates,instilling in them a sense of responsibility to continue the fight for equality and…