Overview:
Texas State Rep. James Talarico delivered a call to action at Paul Quinn College's May 2 graduation ceremony. He praised the resilience of the Class of 2026 and urged them to become architects of change rooted in compassion and purpose. Talarico encouraged graduates to reconnect with community, meaningful relationships, and service instead of chasing wealth, status, or online validation. He challenged them to question unjust systems while remaining grounded in love and hope, and to become the cornerstone of a new generation of leaders.
Texas State Rep. James Talarico delivered more than a traditional commencement speech at Paul Quinn College’s May 2 graduation ceremony. He offered graduates a call to action.
Drawing from his experience as a former public school teacher, Talarico praised the resilience of the Class of 2026 while encouraging them to embrace the college’s longstanding values of faith, service and community.
Speaking before graduates, families and faculty, Talarico reflected on Paul Quinn’s history as an institution founded by Black church leaders just years after emancipation. He credited President Dr. Michael Sorrell for transforming the college by centering students and communities that have too often been overlooked.
Throughout the address, Talarico acknowledged the realities many young people face today, including rising living costs, economic inequality, political division and the mental weight of growing up in a world shaped by social media and constant crisis. Rather than dwell on those challenges, he argued that Gen Z’s ability to see those systems clearly is one of its greatest strengths.
Calling today’s disillusionment a “superpower,” Talarico urged graduates to reject cynicism and instead become architects of change rooted in compassion and purpose.
The Democratic lawmaker framed today’s political and economic struggles as part of a broader spiritual crisis, encouraging graduates to reconnect with community, meaningful relationships and service instead of chasing wealth, status or online validation.
He pointed to Paul Quinn’s “We Over Me” philosophy as a blueprint for leadership, reminding students that lasting impact comes through serving others.
Quoting voices including Langston Hughes, bell hooks, Howard Thurman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Questlove, Talarico challenged graduates to question unjust systems while remaining grounded in love and hope.
He closed by encouraging the Class of 2026 to become the “cornerstone” of a new generation of leaders, telling graduates to move forward with authenticity, faith and action.
“Get off your knees and start swingin’,” he said, drawing one of the ceremony’s loudest ovations.
For Paul Quinn’s newest alumni, the message was clear: the future belongs to leaders willing to serve, organize and build something better together.
Talarico’s full commencement speech is available here.
