As the University Band began playing, Harrison Auditorium slowly quieted down on Thursday, October 29,  as the Fall Convocation program began a few minutes ahead of schedule.

Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. and his cabinet members, along with Student Government Association President Syene Jasmin took their seats on the stage, and Martin came to the podium to give greetings.

“There is an excitement in the air on this campus, for we are enthused about another Aggie Homecoming,” Martin said. “We face the future with the belief that the college will continue to expand.”

Filled to capacity well before the beginning of the program, many students, faculty, staff and community members were more excited about this year’s program because of the keynote speaker, actress, poet and author Dr. Maya Angelou.

Angelou, who has been know as a “trailblazer” in film and television, has received over 30 honorary degrees, is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker and civil rights activist. Angelou is often best known for her most famous two poems “I know why the caged bird sings,” and “Phenomenal Woman.” While Angelou never actually attended college, she is now a Reynolds Professor of American studies at Wake Forest University.

Just as the program began, the crowd was briefly distracted by the surprise appearance of alumni, activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, Sr. walked into the ceremony. Jackson was scheduled to speak at another event later that day. He sat in the front and stayed for the duration of the program.

Before Angelou took the stage, a few announcements were made. One of the more exciting announcements was the achievement of the North Carolina A&T chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta. ALD is an honors society that rewards high performance during a student’s freshman year. The organization was awarded the Order of the Torch Award, the highest honor available.

Following a few more house announcements, the stage curtains were closed and the platform guests took a seat in the front as Angelou prepared to come to the stage. When she finally did appear, it was to a thunderous round of applause.

“I have been longing to come to A&T to speak at a Convocation or a Commencement,”Angelou said. “I want to talk to you about A&T, this place that you are just coming to, that has been a rainbow in the clouds.”

Angelou told the audience, and in particular, to the students, to never be modest.

“Don’t ever be modest, young people,” Angelou said. “If you push a person against a wall, that modesty will drop off faster than a g-string will drop off of a stripper.”Angelou spoke to the audience about staying encouraged and uplifted, and to appreciate the benefits that they have here at A&T. She also spent time focusing on paying homage to the people who came before those who are presently here.

“You may trod me down like dirt, but still like dust, I rise,” Angelou said. Before she left, Angelou reminded students that there are people looking to current students for encouragement. She said that it was most important to be that shine in someone else’s life, so that they too can be successful.

“I don’t mind being one of many as long as I’m going to be a rainbow in somebody’s cloud.” 

• Dexter R. Mullins