August 30th, 2010 |

At 5:58pm on an evening that was being cooled by a brief shower of rain, President Beverly W. Hogan took to the podium in the Kroger Gymnasium to announce to the gathering crowd of family and friends that the 2010 Summer Commencement would begin.

As the music and the processional began, those familiar with a Tougaloo Commencement instantly knew this Commencement was different. Yet, from the many screams, shout outs, and cheers, you knew that the spirit of the event was intact.

As the graduates passed by, waving back to the excited crowd, you could feel their pride and sense of accomplishment. One of the most touching and memorable moments was the voice a little girl that seem to echo through the gym and was audible above and through the excitement. She appeared to be about 4 or 5 years old and was shouting out, "Hey, Daddy! Hey, Daddy! Hey, Daddy!" as she stood in the chair waving eagerly to the passing graduates, to make sure her "Daddy" saw her. As it turns out, this little girl is the daughter of Rev. Antonio "T.P." and Mrs. Coletta ’00 Patterson. Talk about a Kodak moment!

Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. delivered the commencement address, encouraging the graduates to become active in their communities. He spoke of a time when communities were closer – when a neighbor was in need, the surrounding neighbors were there with support. Whether there was a passing of a life or a home burned, a car that needed fixing or someone’s kitchen was in need of food or a child in need of clothing, the communities supported each other, without fear and not from behind closed doors. It is that sense of community, he emphasized that we need to find again. He also urged the graduates to register to vote, if they are not registered, and to exercise that right if they are.

Continuing to issue the graduates the challenge to help someone on their journey through life, he shared that its great to make a lot of money, have nice homes and cars, but how you manage it, determines where your priorities are. They were reminded to give back to Tougaloo College financially and to become active in their local alumni chapters. To close his commencement address, Mayor Johnson recited, Will Allen Dromgoole’s "The Bridge Builder," challenging us all to be builders of bridges for those who come behind us.

The degrees were conferred and the tassels were changed. New Eagles are soaring. Congratulations, Summer 2010 Graduates!  

Submitted by Sanette L. Langston-Smith, M.S.M. '98