S. Samuel
Rap mogul Diddy may want to think twice about what he says at the upcoming Howard University commencement after sparking backlash from students upset about him speaking at the ceremony.
Despite students angry at the school’s decision, Howard University has no plans of etching him out of the commencement event.
Howard U.’s students are up in arms after Sean “Diddy” Combs was selected to speak at the school’s graduation — mostly because Diddy dropped out of Howard … and many students believe he isn’t a worthy role model. But Howard’s not backing down — a rep for the school tells us, commencement will go forward next month as planned … with Diddy helming the prestigious commencement speech. The rep adds, “Howard University continues the tradition of identifying leaders whose work has clearly contributed to the advancement of their fields and the world … We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker.” (TMZ)
According to reports, Puffy’s big day will go down on Saturday, May 10.
The University will award degrees to more than 1800 students. Combs was a student at Howard University in the late 1980s. He will receive an honorary doctorate in humanities at the convocation. “In selecting the individuals who will be awarded honorary degrees, Howard University continues the tradition of identifying leaders whose work has clearly contributed to the advancement of their fields and the world,” Frederick said. “We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker. He sat in classrooms where our students sit, walked ‘The Yard,’ and like many students, his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at Howard. We know he will inspire our class to work hard and to always strive for excellence.” (Howard University News Room)
Back in 2009, Diddy actively promoted a Howard University protest via his Twitter page.
“If your at HOWARD UNIV. Do what we did and take IT OVER!!!!,” he wrote September 4, 2009. “Let’s go! And do it in a peaceful way but DO IT!!! That’s you university!!! If your at HU go to the A building now and make sure they feel you!!! And send me updates!!! Let’s go! Attention all Howard university students!!! Report to the A building now!!! Stick together! Now is the time!!! Let’s go! And be peaceful Howard univ. Students I love you! I know I haven’t been there enough. But I want to be and I will be! Keep the pressure on! O got your backs HU your worldwide now! Show em what u got!! RT @silsfvalley: @iamdiddy to Howard U—No Justice, No Peace!” (Diddy’s Twitter)
Prior to launching Bad Boy, Puff attended the prestigious school.
Diddy has always pushed himself. Born in Harlem, he was raised outside New York City by his mother after his father’s murder. He studied business administration at Howard University and took an internship at Uptown Records, climbing the ladder to top executive in mere months. Later he founded Bad Boy Records, which would evolve into his media empire. (Time)
