In a personal and moving conversation with Sharline, Steve shares the winding, yet connected roads that led to his first keynote speech at the City University of New York’s School of Labor and Urban Studies’ fifth commencement ceremony.

Steve discusses the art and poetry that inspired his speech and the childhood memories that resurfaced as he wrote. In his advice to the graduates entering the workforce at one of the most critical times in our country’s history, he shares key lessons from his time in political and labor movements to his time spent writing How We Win the Civil War. He also honors Susan’s legacy and the friends they gained in their joint effort to make a difference in the world.

REFERENCES:

CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Commencement 2023 - https://slu.cuny.edu/current-students/commencement

Barbara James-Hogu - "Rise and Take Control" - https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/rise-and-take-control-117946

Margaret Walker - "For My People" - https://poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/21850/for-my-people

Sonia Sanchez - "Middle Passage" - https://youtube.com/watch?v=P98JZhWUijY