UGA Fall 2023 Undergraduate Commencement Keynote Address: Dr. Harold Black

Higher education is a journey. Commencement marks the end of that journey and the beginning of a new one.
Harold Alonza Black, emeritus professor of finance at the University of Tennessee and notable University of Georgia alumnus, shared his own journey to UGA, at UGA and beyond UGA as the keynote speaker at the fall 2023 undergraduate Commencement ceremony.
“This university has prepared you,” he said. “Use the tools you have acquired here, because they are invaluable.”
Black and two other students-Mary Blackwell Diallo and Kerry Rushin Miller-were the first African American students to enroll as freshmen and complete their undergraduate degrees at UGA. The university named its newest residence hall, Black-Diallo-Miller Hall, in their honor in 2022.
Black was also the university’s first African American graduate of the Terry College of Business. The Terry College has established the Dr. Harold A. Black Professorship in his honor.
During his time at UGA, Black certainly had successes, but he faced challenges as well. He shared that he made lasting friendships with white students because they were willing to stand beside him. He also encountered damage to his dorm room and weathered other intimidation tactics.
“Alma mater means foster mother. Alumni means foster children. So, look around. Look at your brothers. Look at your sisters. And understand me when I say that I don’t care what you look like,” he said. “I care about your desire to be better. I care about your desire to make others better. I care about your humanity.”
Despite the challenges Black faced as a student, he is proud of the university.
“The university has come a long way, and I am proud of this university, not just because of what it’s done in regard to race relations, but because this has become one of the very best universities in this country,” he said.
Additionally, Black shared some advice with the graduates that came from his parents, encouraging them to focus on their objectives and shut out the other noise.
“Work hard,” he said. “Find your limits, and then go find someone to help you get past them.”
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