Now when it comes to commencement speeches, someone of Jasmine Crockett’s caliber is what I expect: a college graduate, lawyer and sitting U.S. congresswoman. She first came to my attention a couples of years ago when I saw clips of her on YouTube – maybe even Instagram as well –taking it to her colleagues in congress or any other officials she may be questioning in one of the house committees she sits on, in an informed, authoritative, yet no nonsense way. My favorite came a little over a year ago on May 16, 2024, when Jasmine stood up for herself against the bullying tactics of her colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene. You see kids, for any young people who may be reading this, unfortunately bullying doesn’t stop when you leave school. In fact, in some cases it gets worse, and the stakes are higher. Majorie leveled at an attack at Jasmine regarding her appearance, and, well, Jasmine attacked back, with an acerbic alliteration heard round the world. The fact that she such a force as first-time congresswoman has been impressive. That’s why I expected nothing less from her address. So when the commencement speech she delivered at Tougaloo College in Mississippi showed up in my search results, of course I clicked on it. Here’s what she had to say…
Interesting Observation
Part of Tougaloo’s significance in American history is that in the sixties, students who attended school there staged a sit-in at a Jackson, Mississippi Woolworth’s counter that was pivotal in effecting the Civil Rights Movement. Jasmie mentioned to the graduates that by attending that school they contributed to that legacy.
Inspirational Takeaway/Quotes
She talked about an employer who told her major didn’t matter, as the degree itself demonstrates had the discipline and focus to see a long task through.
“One person can make a difference. That one person can and will be you.”
“Your moment is not in the future. Your moment is now.”
Overall Thoughts:
While Jasmine Crockett has the credentials I would typically expect from a commencement speaker, for me, her overall speech fell a little flat. I think at times she came across a little too much as a victim instead of a leader. On several occasions, she spoke about her haters, she mentioned how we are in a “disastrous time,” and even mentioned how other schools wouldn’t invite her to speak. That’s not to say these things aren’t true. However I think when giving advice and trying to motivate people about their future, you don’t outline problems without listing solutions – solutions that go beyond just enduring. I would have liked to hear what she is doing despite these set backs to build a better future for America. For example, what bills is she helping to pass or trying to stop from passing to achieve a better America. How has she reached across the aisle to work with Republicans for the greater good, something like that. Without that nuance, her address kinda came across as political propaganda. While I still think the graduates are fortunate to say they had a sitting congresswoman, the rising star that is Jasmine Crockett deliver their commencement address, in order for her speech to really shine, I think it needed a few tweaks.
The Clue Breakdown
Did you decipher yesterday’s clue? I’ve got the breakdown for you. But first, let’s revisit it:
This speaker’s clever alliterations may have you tongue-tied but don’t get it twisted, this speaker has the academic prowess to match that sass.
“This speaker’s clever alliterations may have you tongue-tied,” refers to the comeback she had for Marjorie Taylor Green, a congresswoman who made a disparaging remark about her eyelashes.
The next part that states, “but don’t get it twisted, this speaker has the academic prowess to match that sass,” refers to the fact that Jasmine is not only a lawmaker, but also has a law degree.
Clue for the Next Speaker
You may not know this speaker by name but perhaps you’ve used his creation to learn something new.
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