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Actor Keith David challenges NSU graduates to be, do and give back

Randy Singleton | 5/12/2022, 6 p.m.
Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David reminded Norfolk State University graduates that they stand on the shoulders of giants, including their …
Norfolk State University commencement speaker and actor Keith David, second from right, is all smiles after receiving the Presidential Medallion during the ceremony last Saturday. With him are, from left, NSU Rector and 2000 NSU graduate Devon M. Henry, chief executive officer and president of Team Henry Enterprises, the contracting firm that removed the Confederate statues from Richmond’s Monument Avenue; NSU President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Provost DoVeanna Fulton. Photo by Randy Singleton

Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David reminded Norfolk State University graduates that they stand on the shoulders of giants, including their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and civil rights pioneers, in earning their degrees.

Mr. David was the keynote speaker last Saturday at NSU’s 108th commencement held at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall Arena on campus, where degrees were awarded to 465 students.

Makayla Taylor, left, and Searra Wiggins intently follow the commencement program.

Makayla Taylor, left, and Searra Wiggins intently follow the commencement program.

The classically trained award-winning actor with a rich, deep voice is starring with Zoe Saldana in the Netflix series “From Scratch.” He wowed audiences for five seasons with his starring role as Bishop James Greenleaf in the television series “Greenleaf” that started in 2016 on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. And he co-starred with the late Chadwick Boseman in the 2019 film “21 Bridges.”

During his remarks, Mr. David asked graduates to remember three guiding principles as they embark upon the next chapter in their life’s journey: Be humble, don’t be afraid to reinvent or reimagine yourself and cultivate community wherever you go.

He challenged the graduates to do great things for local communities.

Newly commissioned Army ROTC officers, from left, Desiree Alford, Willie Bright and Monteau Jones smile during Norfolk State University’s commencement last Saturday at Echols Memorial Hall Arena.

Newly commissioned Army ROTC officers, from left, Desiree Alford, Willie Bright and Monteau Jones smile during Norfolk State University’s commencement last Saturday at Echols Memorial Hall Arena.

Mr. David closed out his speech with NSU’s rallying cry: “Behold the Green and Gold!”

After his address, Mr. David was awarded the NSU Presidential Medallion by NSU President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston.