Usher Tells Inspiring, Never Before Told Story At Emory Graduation
To know Usher is to know that he came from humble beginnings, but the road to become Dr. Usher Raymond IV wasn't always smooth sailing.
As the keynote speaker at Emory's 2025 Commencement, the crooner also received an honorary doctorate from the university on Sunday (May 12.) His speech reflected on a pivotal moment from his youth that helped shape the man he is today. 'I'm not just accepting this honor for myself. I'm accepting it for every kid who's ever been told 'your dream was too big; your neighborhood was overlooked or your voice was too quiet.' For me, this moment is far more than a ceremonial moment filled with accolade and celebration for things that we all have done. It's personally deep for me,' he began.
Usher recounted a story that he's 'never publicly shared' about being so 'academically far behind' after moving from Chattanooga, Tenn. to Atlanta and he was ultimately 'assigned to remedial classes, which at the time felt like a judgment on my ability.'
The father of four was admittedly 'discouraged,' but he used his frustration to fuel his passion. 'Though I was misunderstood and passed on, that was the point of investment that I had to make in order to find my purpose. Because of that passion, I felt it would lead me in the right direction and it has,' Usher continued.
'Before I could sing, before I could dance, before I was a doctor,' he joked, 'I had passion.'
Usher explained that 'the system' wasn't equipped to handle 'a student like [him]' and couldn't 'help prepare [him] for the future [he'd] have' and as a result, he became the global superstar and philanthropist we know and love. 'To go from that moment, to standing here and being honored by one of the most prestigious institutions, Emory [University], is truly full circle and proof that the journey is the destination.'
Watch the King of R&B's full keynote address above.
More from VIBE.com
Boosie Becomes Emotional After Receiving Two Honorary Doctorates
Usher Apologizes To Sabrina Carpenter's Dad Following Cherry Ordeal At 2025 Met Gala
Usher's Concert Film, 'Rendezvous In Paris,' Set To Stream Exclusively On BET+
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
University of Phoenix Publishes New Edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine
Latest edition features alumni success stories, career insights and University news PHOENIX, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix has released the latest edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine, available in both digital and print formats. The magazine celebrates the accomplishments of University alumni and connects with its alumni audience through compelling stories, career-focused insights and University news. With a network of more than one million alumni and active chapters across the country, Alumni Chronicles Magazine evolved from the popular Alumni Chronicles blog, launched in November 2021. "Our alumni continue to inspire us with their vision, resilience, and drive to make a difference," states University of Phoenix President Chris Lynne. "This edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine highlights the ambitious spirit that so many of our graduates embody. Whether they are launching businesses, leading teams, or innovating within their fields, their stories reflect the strength of our community and the lasting impact of a University of Phoenix education." The magazine is designed to foster a strong sense of community among its accomplished alumni while supporting their distinct professional goals. Most University of Phoenix alumni are women, and nearly half are between the ages of 30 and 39—demographics that reflect a highly career-focused audience. Among the more than one million alumni, over 33,000 hold C-suite positions, and more than 83,000 are business owners, partners or senior executives. Published each fall and spring, the magazine features content that informs, inspires and celebrates alumni in their professional journeys, including: Alumni success stories that showcase resilience, innovation and leadership across industries and communities University updates that highlight new initiatives, collaborations and academic advancements Career-focused insights that offer professional growth strategies, entrepreneurial guidance and leadership development tools In addition to the magazine, University of Phoenix offers several alumni resources, including career support, professional development discounts, networking opportunities, and access to the Career Services for Life® commitment. These services provide ongoing guidance in career planning, résumé building, interview preparation, and more. University of Phoenix alumni interested sharing their story for Alumni Chronicles can submit their information here. To connect with a local alumni chapter and explore networking opportunities, visit this page. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Michele MitchumUniversity of Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
University of Phoenix Publishes New Edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine
Latest edition features alumni success stories, career insights and University news PHOENIX, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix has released the latest edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine, available in both digital and print formats. The magazine celebrates the accomplishments of University alumni and connects with its alumni audience through compelling stories, career-focused insights and University news. With a network of more than one million alumni and active chapters across the country, Alumni Chronicles Magazine evolved from the popular Alumni Chronicles blog, launched in November 2021. "Our alumni continue to inspire us with their vision, resilience, and drive to make a difference," states University of Phoenix President Chris Lynne. "This edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine highlights the ambitious spirit that so many of our graduates embody. Whether they are launching businesses, leading teams, or innovating within their fields, their stories reflect the strength of our community and the lasting impact of a University of Phoenix education." The magazine is designed to foster a strong sense of community among its accomplished alumni while supporting their distinct professional goals. Most University of Phoenix alumni are women, and nearly half are between the ages of 30 and 39—demographics that reflect a highly career-focused audience. Among the more than one million alumni, over 33,000 hold C-suite positions, and more than 83,000 are business owners, partners or senior executives. Published each fall and spring, the magazine features content that informs, inspires and celebrates alumni in their professional journeys, including: Alumni success stories that showcase resilience, innovation and leadership across industries and communities University updates that highlight new initiatives, collaborations and academic advancements Career-focused insights that offer professional growth strategies, entrepreneurial guidance and leadership development tools In addition to the magazine, University of Phoenix offers several alumni resources, including career support, professional development discounts, networking opportunities, and access to the Career Services for Life® commitment. These services provide ongoing guidance in career planning, résumé building, interview preparation, and more. University of Phoenix alumni interested sharing their story for Alumni Chronicles can submit their information here. To connect with a local alumni chapter and explore networking opportunities, visit this page. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Michele MitchumUniversity of
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business Wire
University of Phoenix Publishes New Edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix has released the latest edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine, available in both digital and print formats. The magazine celebrates the accomplishments of University alumni and connects with its alumni audience through compelling stories, career-focused insights and University news. With a network of more than one million alumni and active chapters across the country, Alumni Chronicles Magazine evolved from the popular Alumni Chronicles blog, launched in November 2021. 'Our alumni continue to inspire us with their vision, resilience, and drive to make a difference,' states University of Phoenix President Chris Lynne. 'This edition of Alumni Chronicles Magazine highlights the ambitious spirit that so many of our graduates embody. Whether they are launching businesses, leading teams, or innovating within their fields, their stories reflect the strength of our community and the lasting impact of a University of Phoenix education.' The magazine is designed to foster a strong sense of community among its accomplished alumni while supporting their distinct professional goals. Most University of Phoenix alumni are women, and nearly half are between the ages of 30 and 39—demographics that reflect a highly career-focused audience. Among the more than one million alumni, over 33,000 hold C-suite positions, and more than 83,000 are business owners, partners or senior executives. Published each fall and spring, the magazine features content that informs, inspires and celebrates alumni in their professional journeys, including: Alumni success stories that showcase resilience, innovation and leadership across industries and communities University updates that highlight new initiatives, collaborations and academic advancements Career-focused insights that offer professional growth strategies, entrepreneurial guidance and leadership development tools In addition to the magazine, University of Phoenix offers several alumni resources, including career support, professional development discounts, networking opportunities, and access to the Career Services for Life® commitment. These services provide ongoing guidance in career planning, résumé building, interview preparation, and more. University of Phoenix alumni interested sharing their story for Alumni Chronicles can submit their information here. To connect with a local alumni chapter and explore networking opportunities, visit this page. University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
