Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Clifton Young Professor Michael Eric Dyson rouses the crowd with his intellect and cultural awareness at UDC's convocation 2008.

Media Credit: Dale Lyons Council of the District of Columbia chairman Vincent C. Gray introduces Michael Eric Dyson at UDC convocation 2008.

Shouting out to the crowded auditorium, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson told students, "If you want to be excellent, you've got to pay for it. Turn the TV off, turn the iPod down.. Put it down! Study. Engage. Listen to the greatness of the people who produced you. Listen to those great scholars in your own particular tribe. Understand the sense of excellence that motivated them. And go to class."

The message of the Fourteenth Annual University of the District of Columbia Opening Convocation, "The Pathway to Excellence," was clear: we all have the ability to achieve excellence, as well as the responsibility to work towards that goal. Acting Provost Dr. Eurmon Hervey broke down the meaning and purpose of the event. "We have called the UDC family together today to declare on this day, more than any other day that we are indeed on the pathway to becoming exceptionally good."

The morning started with a distinct air of formality. The processional of faculty, staff, and administration in full regalia, the synchronized movements of the officers presenting the colors, and the chorale's perfect harmonies all honored tradition and exemplified the sense of pride felt by everyone who attended. But once keynote speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson took the stage, all of the pomp and circumstance faded into the background as Firebird spirit, fueled by Dyson's powerful oration, filled the auditorium.

Dyson, currently a university professor at Georgetown, is an acclaimed scholar, Baptist Minister, media commentator, and best-selling author of several books on subjects ranging from Hip-Hop to race relations. During his speech, he wove rhymes from Nas and Rakim in with Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ulysses" to illustrate that the same drive for excellence propelled all three artists. He dispelled myths of racial differences as relates to intelligence, dedication, and education. Noting that he has worked only at mainstream white institutions he said, "Trust me when I tell you, mediocrity ain't got no color coordination."

Dyson also gave advice for life beyond the classroom. He echoed the sentiments of the District of Columbia Council Chairman Vincent Gray who urged everyone to take part in activism. "You are American citizens who engage actively in the process and in the principle of social change so that the society in which you live will be better for your having been here," said Dyson. "And that means, therefore, you've got to open up your mind and when you come to school you've got to get rid of your prejudices." He spoke out against sexism, prejudice towards the poor, and intolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. "If God gave you breath to breathe and life to live, you should not try to impose any kind of artificial barrier on anybody else. Live and let live, love, and move on."

Towards the end of his speech, Dyson didn't slow down at all. The entire auditorium was laughing and singing along with him and the response from was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, chair of the Convocation Committee, said the purpose of convocation was twofold: to welcome students back and motivate and inspire them for the school year, and student reaction reflected both of those aims. "It was a privilege for [Dyson] to be here today. Very inspiring," said Tres Weathers, class of 2011. "It was a warm welcoming for us," said freshman Jonathan Walker. "I felt like a real Firebird."

University President Dr. Allen Sessoms ceded most of his time to Dyson, but he did take a moment to once again emphasize the theme by saying, "We're pushing hard for excellence, and a lack of excellence is unethical in all of us." The path to excellence is not an easy one, but as Dr. Dyson said, "Don't tell me it's hard, I know it's hard. That's why we're doing it - to give you a sense of what is achievable if you are willing to study."

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