A few weeks ago there were debates on the internet and on urban radio stations in Chicago about Sean Combs, also known as “Puffy”, “P.Diddy” or whatever his stage name is today, being the keynote speaker at the 2014 Howard University Commencement ceremony.
I am trying to wonder what the uproar is, seeing as though he overcame several obstacles to attain his current level of success in career. He’s one of the richest black people in America.
Some of his critics say that he’s a dropout. According to The Wrap, Combs attended Howard for two years before leaving to work as an intern at a prominent record company. He then started his own label with big name celebs; made a few hits of his own; and founded or invested in other business ventures.
No, he didn’t graduate from college, but neither did Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, both of whom have spoken at several commencement ceremonies. Was there a big stink about their presence?
Can somebody, anybody, tell me what the big deal is about P.Diddy speaking at Howard University?
Is it because of his industry? He’s in the “hip hop” industry as opposed to the technology industry?
Is it because he’s viewed as a “drop out”?
Did these people create the same uproar a few years ago when it was reported that Snooki, the reality TV star known for her obnoxious and outrageous behavior, was getting paid more than the legendary, literary genius Nikki Giovanni to speak at a commencement?
What is it really? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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I feel the same as you on this one, Marcie, as I saw the comments as well. Where you felt compelled to speak on the subject, I chose to bypass it because there’s just not enough hours in the day. I applaud him for being a successful Black man- has as much right to the honor as any of the others.
Keep shining your truths and congrats on your accomplishments as well!
Clara
Clara, the only reason why I wrote this is because I saw a video of Steve Jobs at a commencement ceremony and within the first 30 seconds he said that he dropped out of college. No one knocked him for this. However, Sean Combs was being criticized for “dropping out” but he started interning at a record label, pursuing his dreams, yet this was a problem. Jobs ranked within the top richest people in America; Combs is one of the richest Black people in America. Still trying to understand what the big deal is.