Friend -
Ladies, gentlemen, & those beyond the binary of the Class of 2024, I would like to start off by congratulating all of you for successfully making it to this achievement today, especially the women of color & the queer community because have mercy the amount of crap you put up with should be a prerequisite course for everyone else on how to functioning as a good being. Your journey through high school & college has been unique, marked by a plague, an insurrection, & a solar eclipse the religion of orange prayed would be the apocalypse because let’s face it — the end of days would be easier for them then admitting how wrong they are to have doubled-down on supporting a white supremacist hate monster. Yet here you are, ready to embark on the next chapter of your lives. May it not be a chapter written by Margaret Atwood.
The pandemic highlighted many systemic issues, from healthcare disparities to social injustices, reinforcing the importance of strong, compassionate leadership. Our society has been shaped by various movements advocating for the rights & dignity of all people, including people of color, women & the LGBTQ+ community. It’s crucial to continue this momentum, ensuring that everyone can live authentically & without fear. Together, we've learned a lot about bad leadership & its impacts. Now, let's take stock of where we are & where we're going, not just as citizens, but as vibrant, diverse individuals.
First, let’s correct the record: the idea that men are superior is not just outdated—it's absurd. Women & non-binary folx have been holding this country together for centuries, from running households to leading movements for social justice. Now, as we look at leadership, we can all agree that bad leaders seek power no matter who it harms. The past years have shown us that disinformation knows no bounds. But it also taught us something crucial: we don't need to follow the old, tired paths. As women, LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, & people of color, we can create new roads where equality, respect, & love are the guiding principles.
Let's talk about our personal journeys & leaning into our authentic selves. I know many women who are powerhouses who have chosen to embrace the profession of motherhood, one of many valid paths. For many of us, our lives might look different, & that's something to celebrate. Whether you pursue a career, start a family of children, dogs, cats, or none of the above, what matters is that it's your choice, your path.
To the men here today: society's expectations have limited you too. Toxic masculinity is a cage, & it's time to break free. Real strength lies in vulnerability, in being allies to people of color, to women & the LGBTQ+ community, & in fighting for a world where everyone can thrive. It’s long past time to ditch the outdated notion that men should dominate & instead embrace partnership & collaboration.
To everyone else: gender & sexuality are spectrums, & trying to fit into rigid boxes is exhausting & unnecessary. Embrace who you are, love who you love, & know that you are powerful just as you are. Our diversity is our truest strength.
As we move forward, let's continue to challenge the norms that have held us back. Let's advocate for policies that protect & uplift everyone, not just a privileged few. Remember, any faith & or set of values should guide us to be inclusive, loving, honest & just.
In closing, the future is bright because it is inclusive, diverse, & will be led by good people like you who understand that believing in the superiority of one gender or one race or one way of being is not just wrong—it's laughably, painfully outdated. So go out there & make the world a better place for everyone, & remember, whether you're straight, gay, non-binary, or anything in between or beyond, you are made for greatness.
Congratulations to 2024 Graduates, You are all kings, queens and anything you wanna be.
Love, the PowerPAC Team
