Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Delivers Powerful Commencement Address at Tougaloo College

In a stirring commencement speech delivered on the historic grounds of Tougaloo College, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) urged graduates to take up the mantle of activism and continue the fight for progress. The Congresswoman's address drew heavily on the legacy of civil rights history, notably highlighting Tougaloo's crucial role during the Civil Rights Movement as a place where significant leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could speak. Crockett's remarks resonated with the graduates as she spoke of the ongoing challenges faced by Black Americans, pointing out that her own presence as a Black congresswoman remained controversial in 2025. Crockett articulated the continued struggles against systemic barriers, reflecting on her personal experience of working multiple jobs while studying. By invoking the gospel refrain "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired," she inspired the graduates to persevere in their pursuits. Her message emphasized that education itself is an act of resistance against historical narratives that seek to erase contributions made by Black individuals and communities. She warned graduates about modern attempts to undermine diversity initiatives and suggested that remnants of Jim Crow laws still exist, as attitudes and policies that silence Black voices and undermine their accomplishments persist. Crockett's call to action was clear: the graduates must understand that they are their own saviors and that societal change is dependent on their active participation. Her speech received positive feedback from attendees, with one graduate's family member expressing gratitude for Crockett's dynamic and passionate delivery amidst a climate where many politicians hesitate to confront injustices. The Congresswoman’s reminder that personal struggles should not deter one’s purpose was a particularly poignant highlight. Crockett concluded by emphasizing the need for graduates to recognize their intrinsic value and place in society, framing it as their moment to enact change. The strong parallel drawn between the past and present acts as a solemn reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the necessity for young voices in the fight for justice.