Editor’s Note: In June 2024, Elaine Utin, the co-founder and executive director of LatinxEd, presented these remarks to graduates at Lenoir Community College, with Prudencio Martínez-Mengel, the director of Latino outreach and recruitment for the Centro Educativo Latino, translating.

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I like many of us stand on the shoulders of giants. Giants who have believed in us, who have shielded and protected us, who have fed and nourished our bodies and our spirits, who are willing to dream on our behalf, and carry us beyond our doubts and fears.

Who are the giants in your life?

They say it takes four generations to break a cycle of poverty, to build generational wealth, to increase access to opportunity.

You don’t reach this stage without your parents, without your grandparents, without your community.

From admission to sleepless nights to juggling many things at once, so much of this journey goes unseen, but I see you.

You have embraced this milestone and your culture. My heart rejoices as I see the flags that represent your giants, the shoulders of the community you stand on.

You play a very important role in generational transformation. You are creating a world where we get to use education as a tool for positive change.

You will continue to stand on the shoulders of giants, but you too are a giant. There are others who are standing and will stand on your shoulders.

I encourage you to lead this chapter with trust and love. May God bless you and your families for many generations to come.

Here you can learn more about the Centro Educativo Latino at Lenoir Community College.