Good Afternoon from the Campus of Bennett College,
First, I would like to acknowledge the Bennett College Board of Trustees and our Chairwoman, Attorney Cassandra Jones Havard.
Next, I would like to acknowledge any Bennett staff, students, and alumnae present today. Please stand. Thank you for your presence!
We extend our gratitude to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum for allowing Bennett College to share the story of the deep connection and admiration we hold for Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., as we honor his life and legacy.
Although Rev. Jackson’s impact is global, it is also deeply personal to Bennett College.
On May 4, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., Rev. Jackson spoke at Bennett College’s Baccalaureate Ceremony. He did more than deliver a speech—he brought a call-to-action movement.
He reminded us of the power we hold as women, as scholars, and as agents of change.
That evening, he celebrated the legacy of bold, fearless women who refused to sit quietly in the face of injustice.
Rev. Jackson understood the unique role of Bennett College as a historically Black college for women. He recognized the courage and strength of the “Bennett Belles” who stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement—women who risked their safety, their futures, and their lives for justice.
He commended the women of Bennett for their bravery during the Greensboro sit-ins, recognizing their determination as a cornerstone of civil rights progress.
From the Greensboro sit-ins to the halls of political influence, Bennett women have always stood on the shoulders of their sisters who came before them.
The Power of Strong Women
There was one theme in his keynote address that I want to talk about briefly.
It was repeated: “Strong women keep coming.”
Whether in the political arena, in education, in business, or in activism, women are not just participants—they are architects of change.
They are coalition builders.
They are visionaries.
They are Queens who don’t just wear their crowns—they own them.
Rev. Jackson believed in women as assets, not threats. Through his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, Rev. Jackson didn’t just run for office—he opened doors.
He elevated Black women as organizers, strategists, and leaders. His belief in the strength of Black women proved that when women lead, the nation moves forward.
It was on the Bennett campus that Rev. Jackson reminded us of our own power. He reminded us that progress is continuous—it is not a moment; it’s a movement.
He honored the legacy of the Belles who stood fearlessly during the unrest in Greensboro and also celebrated the women who continue to rise at Bennett College.
And because of them, strong women keep coming.
Rev. Jackson’s Encouragement to Lead
Rev. Jackson encouraged us to own our crowns and lead without fear.
He said, “Wear your crown boldly, and step into every room knowing you belong.”
As Bennett women, we don’t wait for permission to lead—we create the path forward.
From classrooms to boardrooms, from the Civil Rights Movement to modern-day leadership, Bennett women rise.
Why? Because strong women keep coming!
Strong leadership has been a hallmark of Bennett College. Every woman president, from Dr. Willa B. Player and beyond, paved paths forward.
These leaders taught us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about action. Their legacy is now the blueprint for Bennett 2.0.
And because of them, strong women keep coming.
The Legacy of Rev. Jackson at Bennett
Rev. Jackson’s life and legacy echo through his powerful one-liners:
“Keep hope alive!”, “I am—Somebody!”, and “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.”
These aren’t just words—they are blueprints for a better world.
At Bennett College, we are building on that blueprint every day. We are creating initiatives that support his legacy:
- A women’s health initiative to address disparities in women’s health in all communities.
- A women’s leadership center to empower the next generation of visionaries, change-makers, and leaders.
This will be the infrastructure where strong women keep coming.
Rev. Jackson said over and over again, “I Am Somebody.” And here at Bennett College, we live those words every day.
We believe in the girl who walks through Bennett’s gates, full of potential, questions, and dreams.
And we believe in the woman she becomes—bold, fearless, and unapologetic.
She is strong.
She is brilliant.
She is destined for greatness.
She is somebody.
When doors were closed, strong women kept coming.
When votes were suppressed, strong women kept coming.
When they said we couldn’t lead, strong women kept coming.
And today, from the classrooms to the boardrooms, from the streets of Greensboro to the halls of Congress, strong women keep coming.
Each Bennett woman is proof that Rev. Jackson’s legacy lives on. We carry his torch. We honor his vision.
Because we are somebody.
We are Bennett College. Built for women.
Thank you to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. – there are no words that can capture the greatness that you bestowed upon us.
But I will say this:
At Bennett College, as we celebrate 100 years of being a women’s college, we make this promise—strong women will keep coming.
Thank you!
