by Keliel Fleming
What defines a great commencement address? Keliel Fleming, student in COM120, Summer 2026 analyzes 2024 speech by Dr. Daniel Black, Clark Atlanta University faculty Professor, whose message went viral.
(STX, 20 July 2026). After listening several times to the video speech I was unexpectedly, but tremendously surprised. First, it gave me chills because every statement in this dynamic speech by Dr. Daniel Black, professor of African American Literature at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, GA. spoke volumes.
Second, terms such as “hell yeah” and “Here They Come, y’all” kept me engaged. The candor and directness of the speech kept me eager to listen to the sharp ,yet, sincere words of advice. The main primary message of this speech is that Black is powerful and excellent and Black graudates should demonstrate these traits beyond their special day.
Daniel Black named numerous occupations (rappers, scientists, embryologists,) which the graduating students would soon pursue. He also named Black legends, locally and internationally as modern-day heroes. Black men and women, once doubted and dismissed by mainstream society because of their skin color. Ignored, and outcast, despite their brilliance.
Black also stated that God allowed him to interact with multitudes of college students on the CAU campus every day. He is a proud progressive Black professor at a HCBC. Furthermore, he deliberately and proudly proclaims Black skin tones as beautiful (mahogany, caramel, mocha, beige, bronze, coffee).
This led me to believe that Daniel Black was addressing his comments to African Americans, particularly the graduates of the CAU. The graduates’ reacted emotionally to Black’s message. I feel that African Americans will declare this the greatest Commencement speech ever presented.
Specifically Black educators, students, and journalists may find this speech impactful. When Dr. Black said, “four hundred years ago, they thought they owned us, but they never knew they brought athletes, technicians, construction works to their lands!” I felt chills!
This commencement address was different from traditionally structured graduation speeches. It was forceful. Blunt. Unapologetic. And it was not generalized as a message for “everyone.”
Instead, the primary message was catered to Black folks.
Specifically, the speech re-addressed the worth, strength, and power of community. Daniel added realism to his speech and his experiences reasonated with a participar demographic.
He did not just address the students as “graduates,” he addressed them as scientists, millionaires, entrepreneurs, film makers, medical professionals that will earn the respect of the global society. An impactful speech that reminds me that, someday soon I’ll be part of the group that marches to the proclaimation, “Here they come, ya’ll.”
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