08 December 2008

Face History, Make History

American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault at a 2007 event at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City

Kenneth I. Chenault is chairman and chief executive officer of the American Express Company. A wide variety of civic, social service, and community organizations also have recognized his public service leadership. He delivered the 2008 commencement address at Howard University in Washington, D.C., among the nation’s most highly respected historically black universities. (Excerpt used with permission.)

Whether you are heading off for further study or moving into the workforce, we need you. Our nation needs you. Our community needs you, both in the United States and the world at large. We need your energy, your intelligence and insights, your skills, your determination to take on the world, and your confidence to succeed.

Always remember your dual responsibility. Recognize that you can contribute to a company but also to the reconstruction of New Orleans and the Gulf region.

You can pursue profits and promotions, but you can also help a little girl in Panama pursue her potential. You can build a career and start a family, and you can help close the gaps of inequality that still exist for too many in the African-American community.

Face prejudice, and make progress. Face history, and make history. Recognize that dual responsibility and lead.

That is your indelible ancestral imperative.