Pro/Con Friday

Morgan State University celebrated its 130th Commencement on last Sunday. It was my very first commencement as an employee of my fair alma mater, and the scene, (and sunshine) were surreal. It was a stark contrast from the 2003 commencement, when Mother Nature was raining on us, and we were raining a hefty chorus of boos on our commencement speaker, Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele.

At any rate, I thought that this would be a perfect addition to Middle Class Blues, the Pro/Con Friday. Every Friday, I hope to usher you into the weekend with the pros and cons of any given topic. Enjoy the inaugural, "Black College Commencement."


The Black College Commencement

Pro- The look of pride on the faces of faculty as the graduates march into the stadium.
Con- How the look of pride melts into an uncomfortable frown when the graduates come within earshot.


Pro- The cheers that go up the first time the phrase, "the Class of ______" (Enter your year here) is uttered.
Con- When you look around and everyone that came in with you graduated before you or are coming out next year.


Pro- The joyful exclamations of proud mothers.
Con-The joyful exclamations of ghetto fabulous mothers.


Pro- When the graduating class is captivated by the commencement speaker.
Con- When the crowd is not captivated, and yells out to the graduates in the middle of the commencement address.


Pro- The moment when graduates are first called to approach the stage.
Con- When some graduates lose their place in line while taking group photos.


Pro- When your name is pronounced correctly to receive your diploma.
Con- If your name is called incorrectly, that ghetto fabulous mother who curses out the person at the mic for the entire stadium to hear.


Pro- Wearing a stole with your organizational emblem embroidered on it.
Con- Doing your organizational call as you walk across the stage, inspiring others graduates, the crowd, and sometimes platform guests, to respond.


Pro- Receiving applause from your classmates as you walk.
Con- Receiving boos from your classmates as you walk.


Pro- Taking the first picture when you come off the stage.
Con- Receiving the proof in the mail two weeks later and you can't afford to get that many.


Pro- Seeing your family in the crowd from the field.
Con- Not being able to find your family at the conclusion of graduation.


Pro- Singing the alma mater for the first time as an alumni.
Con- Realizing you don't know all of the words to the alma mater.


Pro- It's finally over.
Con- It's all just beginning.