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Anthony Hamilton Receives Honorary Degree From Johnson C. Smith University

Anthony Hamilton Receives Honorary Degree From Johnson C. Smith University

WBLS Staff
05/24/2023 12:00 AM EDT

Anthony Hamilton has a new honorific title - Dr.Hamilton.

On Sunday (May 21), Grammy-Award winning singer, Anthony Hamilton received an honorary doctorate degree in fine arts from Johnson C. Smith University.

The Charlotte native also delivered the keynote speech during the graduation ceremony.

He applauded members making up the class of 2023 and left them with encouraging words as they embark on a new journey.

“You’ve also overcome the pandemic. You’ve navigated remote learning, and I did too with my kids. You made it through this virus that could have taken your life and almost took mine,” Hamilton told the crowd.

He also shared with the students how persistence and humility is how he started his career.

“I just kept pushing and I just kept dreaming. Cutting hair, singing in the barbershop. That lead me to meet a guy and that guy took me to New York, and that got my first record deal.”

Steven Boyd, the university's board chair, described Hamilton as “a man who despite his international acclaim has not forgotten his roots in West Charlotte."

Hamilton proudly shared the news on his instagram page, "Introducing Doctor Anthony Cornelius Hamilton (Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts). THANK YOU Johnson C. Smith and all who made this special moment possible."

View post on Instagram
 

According to WBTV, the HBCU students shared how impactful and real Hamilton's speech was to them.

“He managed to keep the conversation real by sharing low lows as well as mountain top experiences with a select group of graduates.”

“He gave us some very valuable lessons I will take with me.”

Watch the speech here:

Watch on YouTube