The author of the prize-winning nonfiction “Just Mercy” delivered the keynote address during the university’s annual Fall Convocation in The Pavilion at Ole Miss. Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending the poor, the wrongly condemned and those trapped in the furthest reaches of the criminal justice system, the celebrated attorney enthusiastically called on incoming freshmen and transfer students to pursue more than college degrees and successful careers.
“I believe that you have the capacity to change the world,” Stevenson said. “I believe it with all of my heart. So as I talk to you tonight, I want to talk about solutions, not just the problems.”
The author shared four keys he believes are essential to becoming world changers.
“First, you have to commit to causes that you really care about,” Stevenson said. “You cannot change the world from a distance. You must get into proximity and get involved in finding solutions to the conditions.”
Highlighting memories of growing up poor in rural Delaware and various legal cases he has handled, Stevenson said the second key is to change some of the narratives that surround us.
“Many people will encourage you to believe false narratives about others, which promote fear and anger, but if you tolerate these then you become complicit to the ills of our society,” he said. “You must be courageous and talk about the things that no one else wants to address. Liberation will come, but only as you change the narratives.”
Third, Stevenson said the students must remain hopeful. “It will give you courage and keep you motivated.”
Lastly, the speaker said that listeners must be willing to do uncomfortable things.
“Change only happens when good people decide to do uncomfortable things,” Stevenson said. “You will receive some bruises and wounds along the path to change. Wear the scars from those as medals of honor.”
Following the address, students received a limited-edition commemorative coin as part of the ceremony.
“I have the privilege of presenting these coins each year, and it is one of the highlights of the year for me,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs. “The coins signify the importance of their transition into the UM community, but is a physical reminder of their responsibility to work, every day, toward graduation day.”
Others on the program included Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter; Noel Wilkin, interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs; Melinda Sutton-Noss, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students; and Associated Student Body President Dion Kevin III. Kevin, a senior public policy leadership and pre-med major from Oxford, led the assembly in reading the UM Creed aloud.
“The tenets of the Creed highlight our shared values within the Ole Miss community,” he said. “Students, faculty and staff alike should value the Creed because of the inherent value of its basis.”
Over the summer, incoming students received a copy of “Just Mercy,” which was selected earlier this year as the 2017 Common Reading Experience.
The book tells how Stevenson handled the case of Walter McMillian, a young man sentenced to die for a notorious murder he didn’t commit. The case drew the young lawyer into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination and legal brinkmanship, transforming his understanding of mercy and justice forever.
Vitter encouraged the Class of 2021 to keep their eyes and ears open.
“A big part of your college experience will be learning how to listen to and empathize with others,” Vitter said. “I look forward to getting to know many of you personally. Welcome to Ole Miss.”
By Edwin Smith
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