Percy Master P Miller on Sunday received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Lincoln’s 2021 commencement. Three others received the honorary degree — Gloria Carter, who is co-founder and chief executive officer of the Shawn Carter Foundation (SCF), former Lincoln University professor Charles V. Hamilton, and renowned professor and author Michael Eric Dyson.
The ceremony recognized more than 400 graduates, including six valedictorians. “Use your knowledge in defense of vulnerable people. Effect change in a positive sense,” said Dyson, who gave the keynote address at the 2021 commencement. “You have to use what you gained here to help others,” he told graduates at the 162nd commencement of the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Dyson further outlined the importance of celebrating women, particularly Black women. “Stop demonizing our sisters,” he said. “There is something special about Black women. “The real politics should be the politics of recognition,” he said. Perhaps the highlight of his speech was when he recited lines from songs ranging from Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, The Temptations to fellow honoree Master P, The Philadelphia Tribune reported.
Master P is a hip-hop mogul, producer, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who founded No Limit Records, which has sold 100 million records. Born in New Orleans, he formed his own label, No Limit, which has had several artistes including Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, Kane & Abel.
Beyond rap, Master P has invested in a host of businesses over the years in areas including media, technology, sports, music, fashion and food. Owing an HBCU is among Master P’s latest ventures. The rapper turned business mogul in March said he is mulling owning an HBCU or a Black university. The No Limit Records founder said he is motivated by the need to educate Black people. “So, y’all know I always wanted to own an NBA team, but now I want to own an HBCU. It’s so important that we educate the culture,” he shared his plans with his followers on Instagram.
