Summary Of Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman uses religious references and metaphors to convey his message of optimism for the future of the 2018 graduating class at Howard University. To convey his optimism for the graduating class and their futures, Boseman uses religious references to relate to the audience on a personal level. When reflecting on the moment of success and the emotions related to their day of graduation, Boseman reminds the graduates to “appreciate what God has brought you through” (Boseman). Recognizing that his audience is primarily from the United States where the predominant religion is Christianity and where many people affiliate with the religion, Boseman references God in his speech. Although Boseman aims to ensure that God is given the adoration he deserves for assisting the graduates during their struggles, he also talks about God
Boseman connects the graduates’ mental challenges of overcoming social, academic, and personal issues with the physical challenge of having to laboriously walk up the hill, illustrating how their last 4 years have been a constant battle in every aspect of their lives. By comparing the graduates’ experiences to climbing up a difficult hill, Boseman aims to elevate the audience and commend their hard work. As the metaphor of the hill portrays them as resilient individuals, Boseman is able to encourage the graduates’ to continue their journey of hard work with the goal of success in their careers and lives and calls them to pursue their dreams. In the same manner, as Boseman brings his speech to an end, he notes how the “light of new realizations shines on you [the graduates]” (Boseman). In referencing how “light. shines on you” to the graduates, Boseman aims to emphasize the journey of struggle each student has undergone to obtain the level of success they have