Mayor Shirley Franklin
When Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin spoke on Saturday, June 6, at Saint Leo’s Atlanta-area commencement, she moved the audience at the Atlanta Civic Center with a call to action that was beautifully expressed, and well worth sharing.
The Mayor quoted from the words of noted African-American scholar and activist William E.B. DuBois, who once wrote that “today is the seed time” when we must plant the beginnings of a better future.
Then she carried the image of planting time forward for graduates with these hopeful words:
“Plant the seed of tolerance for an America that embraces the differences between people, cultures, traditions — as the basis of friendship and peace.
“Plant the seed of peace and friendship modeling the best of our American traditions –
let everyone among us pursue life, liberty and happiness. Plant the seed of creativity and vision — committing to do for those who will follow us.
“Plant a seed of prosperity for the 2 billion people who live in poverty without hope and access to health care, education, fair treatment and whose prospects are limited by poverty and hatred.
“BE BOLD…DREAM BIG.
“Listen to your inner voice. When you are on your true path, your talents, interests and spiritual inclinations are in accord. Dare to do it your way.
“Take a leap of Faith.”
