A high school valedictorian who’ll be attending Clark Atlanta University this fall on a full academic scholarship was not allowed to speak at his school’s graduation, to the dismay of many, including the city’s mayor.
Jaisaan Lovett of Rochester, N.Y., became the first African-American valedictorian in his school’s history. As graduation approached, he expected to give a speech at the commencement ceremony for the University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men, as past valedictorians had done.
Lovett, though, wasn't invited to speak, according to news accounts. Mayor Lovely Warren, in whose office Lovett works as an intern, invited him to City Hall to deliver the speech and posted it on the city's official YouTube channel. The video was posted Monday.
Lovett told the school’s principal in his speech “you couldn’t break me. I’m still here strong.”
The student thanked his parents and siblings, which includes a brother whom Lovett said is a Morehouse College student.
The school issued a statement it’s reviewing what happened and wished Lovett success at Clark Atlanta.
About the Author
