LEWISTON, Maine- Social activist, educator, and author, Geoffrey Canada, has told the Bates College Class of 2017 that it takes "heroic sacrifice" to make a country "great".
Citing Rosa Parks, the woman who in 1955 famously refused to give up her seat to a white passenger after the "whites-only" section on a segregated Alabama bus had filled up, Canada said witnessing that moment of resistance inspired his life of service.
"Her story, known by all, inspired a poor boy to believe that an individual courageous act could change the world." he said. Canada said his philosophy was shaped by the likes of Parks, Susan B. Anthony, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, who understood that they were working for a world they likely would not live to see. "These leaders became my role models, and I sought them out for inspiration."
Canada spoke for about 15 minutes emphasizing that it's often up to each new generation to build on the promises of the previous one- and to fix their errors.
"I would love to say to you that that my generation has accomplished my dream of being a better generation than my parents. Alas we have not," said Canada, who came of age at the height of the Civil Rights movement. "While my generation has done real good and made real progress, we have also left you a real mess. We denied climate change until we have damaged our world environment. We have child poverty rates that are staggering, with more than 16 million children living in poverty. 38% of all black children live in poverty. Over 46 million Americans are on food stamps, and poor children in this country still cannot get a quality education."
Canada is known for his education work with inner city youth through the Harlem Children's Zone, which seeks to boost high school and college graduation rates. He also serves on the board of the Children's Defense Fund. Canada holds degrees from Bowdoin College and Harvard University, although he jokes that the kids with whom he works, think he's cool because he's been on Oprah four times.
Canada was granted an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bates.
Also receiving honorary degrees were Senator Susan M. Collins recognized for her commitment to cooperation in public service; Bates alumna Wanda M. Corn, class of '62, for her arts advocacy; and Lewiston-born actor Patrick Dempsey, who was recognized for his charity work.
458 students from 38 states and 34 countries received degrees. It was the 151st commencement for the private liberal arts college.
