Educator, Activist, and Tuskegee Alumni Delivers Powerful Message at Tuskegee University Freshman Orientation

Tuskegee, AL (BlackNews.com) - Educator, activist, and former stand-up comic Carl Ray delivered a powerful and entertaining message to the 2008 Tuskegee University freshmen class and their parents for Freshman Orientation. Ray, a 1967 Tuskegee graduate, shared his life story emphasizing how students and faculty supported him upon his arrival at Tuskegee Institute. He entered school two weeks after witnessing the racially motivated murder of his father, thus propelling him into the reality of life for African Americans prior to the Civil Rights Movement.

Ray gave the students three assignments:

(1) To pack up their attitudes that they were better than their classmates, and ship them back home. He challenged them to reach out to classmates that may not be performing well in class, and invite them to study groups. Ray said, "You are not here just to receive your degree, but it is also your responsibility to make sure your classmates also graduate."

2) To develop strong networking skills and become active in campus clubs and organizations. He advised students to treat each other as friends or family members. The most successful people in any profession are great networkers. He encouraged the students to purchase the book, Success Runs in Our Race by George Frasier. Ray commented, "If I had read that book when I was in college I would have been a millionaire by age thirty-five, through networking."

(3) To "write the check." Ray said the most important lessons not taught to African Americans were on Giving, and Why the Group is More Important than the Individual. Until we begin to give and spend a larger percentage of what we earn to educate our youth, support our community and black-owned businesses, we will never drastically change our social and economic status." He reminded students that no black college would be in fiscal difficulty if they were supported financially by their alumni and the black community. With alumni dollars, many of them in the audience would have been given monies to offset some or all of their college expenses. He challenged the audience to change the slave mentality that has crippled African Americans into thinking that someone else should take care of our people. Ray encouraged the audience to become "check writers" as soon as they enter the working world; suggesting they write the first check to Tuskegee.

Of course, Ray could not end the evening without inserting a comedy routine. He also gave pocket money to students he had recruited to attend Tuskegee, and when he returned home, sent money to other students as well.

Dr. Gregory Murphy, Dean of the Tuskegee Electrical Engineering Department commented, "Mr. Ray visits the campus every couple of months and has a great relationship with students and staff. I first met him three years ago when he spoke during the dedication ceremonies for the campus Wireless Internet WiFi that was funded by the Intel Foundation at Mr. Ray's request." Dr. Murphy continued, "Mr. Ray was instrumental in fostering our relationship with Intel. The company also gave laptop computers to 11 Tuskegee University students. This year, Mr. Ray has purchased an additional eight computers for the Electrical Engineering Department, by soliciting donations from alumni and friends."

Mrs. Minnie Austin, Student Activities Director, stated "Ray's presentation was great. He got the audience involved and gave them inspirational words that will help them throughout their lives. He left a lasting impression on them and the administration as well."

Since 1987 (21 years), Ray has sponsored tours to HBCU's, including Tuskegee University. The tours targeted high school students from California. A large percentage of them have enrolled in Tuskegee University, the pride of the swift growing South.