#LiftOff: Social Media Buzzing Over Harvard Grad's Spoken-Word Speech

Social media is buzzing over a Harvard graduate's poetic commencement speech, which has garnered millions of views and the attention of celebrities.

Donovan Livingston, who received his master's degree in education, addressed his classmates Wednesday with a spoken-word poem outlining the historic obstacles that have prevented African-Americans from getting an education.

The speech, titled "Lift Off," begins with a quote by education reformer Horace Mann and references influential African-Americans including poet Langston Hughes and abolitionist Harriet Tubman. It describes the difficulties that have historically faced black Americans seeking an education.

"For some, the only difference between a classroom and a plantation is time. How many times must we be made to feel like quotas, like tokens in coined phrases? 'Diversity. Inclusion,'" he said. "There are days I feel like one, like only. A lonely blossom in a briar patch of broken promises. But I've always been a thorn in the side of injustice."

Livingston finished with an inspiring call to action.

"I belong among the stars. And so do you. And so do they. Together, we can inspire galaxies of greatness for generations to come. No, sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning. Lift off," he said.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education posted a video of Livingston's speech on Facebook, saying it was "One of the most powerful, heartfelt student speeches you will ever hear!"

More than 8 million have viewed the video, including superstar Justin Timberlake, who shared it on Facebook, adding the caption: "You don't feel inspired?? Here you go."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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