Lift Off: From the Classroom to the Stars

(Paperback)

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The Harvard University graduation speech that has inspired millions around the world- a groundbreaking rallying call about education, race, and the true nature of equality Donovan Livingston is dedicated to sparking the joy of learning in young minds, and when he took the podium to give the convocation address at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, he shared a powerful message of hope and hard truths. In emotionally charged spoken word, Donovan declares that education can only become an equalizer if we first acknowledge the inequality and racial divides holding back America's future. Years ago, his seventh-grade teacher saw a rambunctious child, and instead of silencing him, encouraged his voice, telling him that our stories are ladders that enable us to touch the stars. Donovan now continues the work of helping every young person reach their celestial potential. He calls on us all to lift our voices on behalf of every child, as their brighter futures can light up our own. Donovan's speech has touched the lives of millions, and now for the first time his words are bound between book covers, to be shared in a beautiful package with graduates and educators today and with generations to come. Praise for Donovan Livingston "Donovan Livingston gave a powerful speech at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's convocation. In a spoken-word poem, he shared his struggles in life and urged his fellow graduates to fight inequality and inspire students. . . . Donovan's message hit home. . . . He is part of a rising generation that's . . . standing up to some of the biggest challenges in the world today."-Hillary Clinton, from her Teen Vogue essay on "What's RIGHT with America"

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Praise for Donovan Livingston

Donovan Livingston gave a powerful speech at the Harvard Graduate School of Educations convocation. In a spoken-word poem, he shared his struggles in life and urged his fellow graduates to fight inequality and inspire students. . . . Donovans message hit home. . . . [He is] part of a rising generation thats . . . standing up to some of the biggest challenges in the world today.Hillary Clinton, from herTeen Vogueessay on Whats RIGHT with America

These are the words, and Donovan Livingstons voice and spirit are the music, but in any form, this rare graduation speech tells us that learning is full of bias yet can lead us to the stars.Gloria Steinem

Donovan LivingstonsLift Offis our youths gift to us. In this joyous young mans voice is the promise of tomorrow.James McBride

Author Bio

Donovan Livingston is an award-winning educator and public speaker. His viral Harvard Graduate School of Education convocation address has reached more than thirteen million views and has been praised by Hillary Clinton. Donovan and his speech have been featured on CNN, NPR, BBC, Good Morning America, and in news outlets across Europe, Australia, India, and South Africa. Having earned master's degrees from Columbia and Harvard, he is now a doctoral candidate studying education at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.