黄色短视频

鈥淔ollow your path,鈥� Rayner implored. 鈥淢y path is not the path of any other legislator. My path is not the path of any other lawyer. My path is uniquely and divinely made for me.鈥�

The St. Petersburg, Florida, native had been invited to speak to graduating seniors and soon-to-be rising seniors who identify as Asian, Black, Indigenous or Latino/Hispanic by Ann Sherman-White 鈥�06, Eckerd鈥檚 coordinator of inclusive student engagement, because Rayner鈥檚 identity sits at intersections that are relatable to civically focused students at the College.

As a Black, femme, queer civil rights attorney and representative for Florida House District 62, which includes southern St. Petersburg and eastern Hillsborough County, Rayner has dedicated her life to advancing justice while maintaining a strong sense of self.

鈥淎s I am sure you understand, respectability politics never keep us safe, and they never set us free,鈥� Rayner explained. 鈥淎nd ultimately, our path that we take is not only about making sure we are free but that others around us are free as well. That everything we do on that path is done in pursuit of justice and liberation, not just for ourselves but for all of us.鈥�

Eckerd President Jim Annarelli, Ph.D., thanked the students for the work they had done so far to advance justice at the institution.

鈥淲hen I look out at those of you who are assembled here,鈥� he said, 鈥淚 see strong and passionate commitment鈥攃ommitment to academic excellence and to scholarship that not only educates our community but also transforms it. I see commitment to service-oriented leadership. And I see commitment to activism and advocacy on behalf of justice and equity.

Senior Step-Up speaker Michele K. Rayner, Esq. (left), a St. Petersburg native and Florida House Representative of District 62, speaks with graduates after the ceremony concludes.

The Student Life Office hosts the annual celebration as an acknowledgment of the accomplishments of Eckerd鈥檚 diverse students. Student groups represented by the Culture Council (Afro-American Society, All About Asians, Coalition of Students for Indigenous Action and Latinos Unidos) have senior and junior members participate. In addition to the annual address, Annarelli and Vice President for Student Life Amy Falvo, Ph.D., present the graduates with a black-and-teal honor cord in recognition of their importance to the Eckerd community.

鈥淎s you embark on the next chapter of your lives, continue to be proud of who you are, stand firm in your values, and never underestimate the impact you can have,鈥� Falvo said encouragingly.

Cristina L贸pez Miranda 鈥�24, a biology graduate from Mexico City, Mexico, said the ceremony and address from Rayner were the affirmation she needed as she prepares to continue her studies at Washington University in St. Louis to complete Eckerd鈥檚 3-2 Engineering Program.

鈥淚t gives us recognition for the work that we do, which we don鈥檛 often get as minorities in these spaces,鈥� she explained. 鈥淩ep. Rayner鈥檚 speech was great and inspiring. As a young person, to hear that advice of following your own path, it moved me genuinely.鈥�

Elliot McPhatter 鈥�24, a marine science graduate from Kansas City, Missouri, was able to share the event with his father and stepmother, who came into town early for graduation.

鈥淚t was very impactful to have a speaker who I was able to connect to a lot,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something I鈥檓 definitely going to be revisiting as a crucial part of my four years at Eckerd.鈥�

After the cords were presented, Sherman-White led the students in a call and response to affirm and uplift the graduates and rising seniors as they embark upon their next journey.

And the response from students in the Class of 2024 was equally powerful. 鈥淚 am an 黄色短视频 graduate!鈥� they roared in unison.