Congresswoman to TSU class: Stay woke
Waters encourages law graduates not to focus on big payday
The graduating class of Texas Southern University was reminded Friday evening that the fate of the country is in the hands of lawyers who have a responsibility to uphold the law no matter whom they are prosecuting.
That’s what Congresswoman Maxine Waters told a group of 183 students during the Thurgood Marshall School of Law’s hooding ceremony, where the symbolic doctoral hood is placed over the head of graduates who have completed the necessary coursework to receive their Juris Doctor.
The class will receive its diplomas Saturday.
Other distinguished guest included Reps. Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee, both Houston Democrats.
Waters, an advocate for civil rights and outspoken opponent of President Donald Trump, used her speech to encourage students to focus their talents on reshaping the world rather than looking for a big payday.
“No matter what you decide to do with your degrees, you have been trained to make an impact on this world and people’s lives,” she said. “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Highlighting recent indictments and the scandals that
have hit the White House, Waters said lawyers will play an important role shaping Trump’s presidency.
“Think about the attorneys on the national stage,” she told the students. “You all are now assuming the same responsibilities.”
She took a few minutes highlighting noteworthy attorneys who worked to hold powerful people accountable and cases that have made impacts on U.S. law and history.
“People will put their trust in you,” she said. “By becoming a lawyer, you are making a commitment to uphold the law.”
She also took a moment to recognize a student — Ieshia Champs, a 33-year-old mother of five — whose personal journey and struggles have gone viral.
Champs was placed in foster care after being taken from her parents but was later returned to her mother. Champs bounced around homes for a few years and eventually dropped out of high school. She became a mother at 19.
“With the support of her beautiful family, Champs got her GED, and now she’s graduating from law school,” Waters said.
She hopes to be appointed to a federal court.
Each student has his or her own harrowing journey, said Waters, who has served California’s 43rd Congressional District since 2013.
“I have no doubt that your experiences will help you get over any obstacle that comes your way,” she said.
She is the most senior of the 12 black women serving in Congress and is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
With 41 years of public service, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people. She’s also known for her appeal to young people, who affectionately refer to her as Auntie Maxine.
She ended her speech Friday by telling the students that the obstacles they face won’t end. She said to use that as motivation, however, to keep growing and fighting for what they know is right.
“Thank you very much and stay woke,” she said to cheers and applause.