Keynote Speech at Pepperdine Graduation

Opening Remarks

• The speaker expressed gratitude for the honor of speaking at the event.
• Acknowledged Will Carr Jolie, the last of six siblings to graduate from Pepperdine.

Main Message

• Purpose of Education: Education is not just about where you come from but where you go and what you do with it.
• Community and Kinship: Encourages graduates to create a community of kinship, recognizing God's dream as a world without divisions.
• Dismantling Barriers: Urges graduates to dismantle barriers that exclude, by standing with marginalized and demonized individuals.
• Kinship Equals Peace and Justice: Emphasized that without kinship, there can be no peace, justice, or equality.

Personal Experiences and Lessons

• Working with Gang Members: The speaker reflects on learning from gang members, highlighting their role in teaching him valuable life lessons.
• Humor and Connection: Shared anecdotes about texting mishaps and how humor connects people.
• Kinship Among Rivals: Personal story about gang members who once were enemies but now communicate positively, illustrating transformation and kinship.

Educational Influence

• Book Influence: Gonzaga University invited him to speak as students were required to read his book "Tattoos on the Heart."
• Travel with Homies: Shared experiences of traveling with former gang members who were fearful but ultimately transformed through new experiences.

Transformative Stories

• Mario's Story: Detailed the emotional transformation of a heavily tattooed gang member named Mario who became a symbol of kindness and gentleness.
• Public Recognition: Mario was publicly acknowledged for his positive attributes, which deeply moved him and the audience.

Final Message

• Stand at the Margins: Graduates are encouraged to stand at the margins to help erase them.
• Transformation and Impact: Highlighted the importance of being changed by those at the margins rather than aiming to change them.
• Prophet Jeremiah's Quote: The world may see efforts as a waste, but in places deemed wasteful, voices of joy and gladness can emerge.

Closing

• The speaker concluded with blessings for the graduates as they leave to make their impact on the world.