Chadwick Boseman Gives Inspirational Speech At Howard University Graduation

From Wakanda to Washington, D.C.! Black Panther's Chadwick Boseman gave the commencement address to Howard University's graduating class of 2018. 

It wasn't that long ago that we learned that the actor would be visiting his alma mater for the special occasion. Boseman graduated from Howard in 2000 with a bachelor's of fine arts in directing. The school holds an extremely vital part in the actor/producer/director -- overall artist -- that he is today. So, Boseman's life and career simply wouldn't be the same without his education there.

Naturally, everyone who attended the graduation was excited to have the Black Panther address the crowd, which included graduates and family members of the grads. During his speech, Boseman made sure to discuss using one's voice to create change, as well as the importance of finding your purpose. 

"You would rather find purpose than a job or career," Boseman said to the audience. "Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Whatever you choose as a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose."

He continued: "Some of you here struggled against the university itself. Many of you will leave Howard and enter systems and institutions that have a history of discrimination and marginalization. The fact that you have struggled with this university which you love is a sign that you can use your education to improve the world that you are entering."

Boseman also made a point to tell the grads to stick to their guns. He recalled getting fired from one of his first jobs, which was on a soap opera, because he challenged the bosses to make the character that he portrayed to be less of a black stereotype. 

"When I dared to challenge the system that would relegate us to victims and stereotypes with no clear historical backgrounds, no hopes or talent... a different path opened up for me," Boseman said. "The path to my destiny." We'd say the actor did alright for himself ever since! 

Check out social media posts of Chadwick Boseman at Howard University's 2018 graduation below. The star also received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.  

Photo: Getty Images