Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO of Tuskegee University, delivered the keynote address during Virginia Union University's Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 10.
In his introduction of Dr. Brown, Virginia Union University President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas called it a “sacred task” to select a convocation speaker strongly suited to inspire greatness in students as they begin the academic year.
“That speaker represents the fountain from which your encouragement will flow. We think about what we need to hear as we operate under the banner of ‘Excellence Reimagined.’ What we need is someone who represents an institution and who has lived a life about which we can say ‘yes, excellence lives there.’”
Deep historical connections exist between Tuskegee University and Virginia Union University. Booker T. Washington studied at Wayland Seminary, one of the institutions that eventually became Virginia Union University. He later returned to help lead fundraising efforts for Wayland. Dr. Lucas praised Washington’s extraordinary support, calling him “an alumnus who ensured that this university would survive.”
Throughout his address, Dr. Brown centered his remarks on Booker T. Washington's historic call to "Cast down your bucket where you are," a phrase drawn from Washington's landmark 1895 Atlanta Exposition Address in which he made the compelling case that formerly enslaved people were ready to master industry, innovation and academia to drive the economy, and with it, their own futures.
This idea that self-sufficiency derived from using resources at hand would empower Black people to control their destinies was central to Washington’s leadership as founding principal of Tuskegee University – and is central to Tuskegee’s current Renaissance Era led by Dr. Brown.
“When international business was urgently needed to save the economy of the south, who did they call to speak to the world, to represent the best of the United States? They called a former slave. They called a teacher,” said Dr. Brown. “They needed Booker T. Washington’s talent to be economically successful just like the world needs your talent to be economically successful.”
Dr. Brown challenged students to recognize the opportunities before them, commit fully to their education, and prepare themselves to become leaders who advance not only their own economic mobility but that of their families and future generations, while improving the human condition for all people.
"Have you cast down your bucket where you are?" Dr. Brown asked students. "Are you taking full advantage of the opportunities available to you at Virginia Union University?"
A central theme of Dr. Brown's address was the transformative power of HBCUs.
"We identify promise, nurture talent and transform lives," Dr. Brown said.
To illustrate his point, he highlighted the journey of Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Virginia Union University Board of Trustees and a member of the Class of 1979, who was present for the ceremony.
Dr. Brown recounted how Chairman Richardson arrived in higher education as a young man struggling academically and questioning whether college was truly meant for him. At Virginia Union, however, mentors recognized his potential and helped him discover his purpose. He emerged as a student leader, serving as both Freshman and Sophomore Class President, graduated with honors, continued his education at Yale University, and ultimately rose to national prominence as a pastor, civic leader, and chairman of his alma mater's board.
"His story reminds us why HBCUs matter, why the role of this university president matters, why this group of faculty, deans, and administration matters," Dr. Brown said. "You all are not just here going through the motions. Rather, I believe you are here, at this place, to walk in a divine purpose for your life."
Dr. Brown also reflected on his own path from humble beginnings in Chicago and Georgia to the presidency of Tuskegee University. As a first-generation college student, he recalled arriving at Tuskegee with limited financial resources but abundant faith and the encouragement of his beloved grandmother. “She was the extent of my college counseling,” said Dr. Brown. “She told me to go down to Tuskegee. They will take care of you.” Dr. Brown shared that he arrived determined to capitalize on that advice and the future higher education could make real.
"I know you because I am you," Dr. Brown told students, reassuring them that obstacles do not define their futures and that success remains attainable because he believes it has been divinely willed to them by those who came before.
"Our ancestors did not pray for us to inherit their struggles. They prayed for us to inherit their possibilities," said Dr. Brown. “They believed generations would rise up not just with dreams but with ownership. I believe that generation is right here in this chapel.”
Throughout the address, Dr. Brown emphasized the role of education as a pathway to economic mobility, career readiness, leadership development, and community advancement. He stressed the importance of preparation in a rapidly changing world, urging students to take advantage of the university’s expanding academic offerings, workforce development programs, artificial intelligence initiatives, and technology partnerships.
"We are the help that we need, and we are enough," Dr. Brown said.
View the Opening Convocation ceremony here.
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