The best commencement speeches and speakers offer graduating students advice and guidance for the post-college times ahead. For graduates, excited but nervous and confused about their future, the motivating words said by a speaker on graduation day will be the last lesson taught. Here are some of the best commencement speeches at black colleges this year.

3Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cheyney University

Sheryl Lee Ralph and interim president Frank G. Pogue speak at Cheyney University’s graduation ceremony on Saturday.
“You are the hope and the dream of a slave!”