‘Her biggest dream was for me to graduate’: Stormzy thanks his mother in heartfelt speech as he receives an honorary doctorate from Exeter University
British rapper Stormzy was awarded an honorary university degree on Tuesday and thanked his mother in a moving acceptance speech.
The 28-year-old star – real name Michael Owuo Jr. – also praised the students’ “courage, courage and dedication” when he was presented with the honor at Exeter University.
The award was dedicated to the musician for his work promoting education and fighting racial inequality.
Success: British rapper Stormzy received an honorary degree from the university on Tuesday and thanked his mother in a moving acceptance speech
In addition to being an acclaimed performer, Stormzy is an inspirational speaker for black empowerment and social activism.
In his speech to the graduates, Stormzy said he felt “extremely blessed and grateful” to receive his honorary degree.
He also joked about how pleased he is to be known as a philanthropist – and thanked his mum who was watching.
Proud: During his speech, Mr. Owuo also thanked his mother, “who is beaming with pride and joy right now
Stormzy said: “The journey I took to get to this moment was vastly different than yours.
“You guys have the guts and determination and dedication it takes to study for years and graduate while I got my AS results my freshman year of college and said yeah see you later.
“I didn’t have the same minerals as you guys.
‘You are worthy and you are brilliant’: Stormzy said, ‘The journey I have taken to get to this moment has been vastly different from yours,’ speaking to alumni
“A year later I graduated from another college until I sat down for my English exam in January and left after 10 minutes.
“It cost you a hell of a lot to get here today. Your journeys up to this moment have been hard won.
“The path you have traveled has not been easy. And this comes from someone who has tried to walk the exact same path and failed.
“So from the bottom of my heart I say congratulations, well done and you should all be so proud of yourself, what you have achieved is incredible.
“Let no one downplay it and let no one undermine it. As you sit in this room today, you are worthy and brilliant.’
During his speech, Stormzy also thanked his mother, “who is beaming with pride and joy right now because her biggest dream for me was that I go to university and graduate and then become somebody, so it really comes full circle at that moment.” .
Inspiration: The achievement was dedicated to the musician for his work promoting education and fighting racial inequality (pictured in March)
He added, “And I always say that God has a funny way of putting you right where you belong.”
Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We are proud to honor Michael for his remarkable contribution to society and his exceptional talent.
“He is an outstanding musician and wordsmith, and he inspires people to speak openly about their beliefs and to fight for their rights.
“The University of Exeter has placed social justice at the heart of its new 10-year strategy, which includes opening doors to higher education for people from all walks of life, and it was wonderful to hear Michael’s powerful speech to students and graduates today .”
Stormzy’s #Merky Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House UK, is dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
His ‘Stormzy Scholarship’, an annual stipend designed to fund black British students to attend the University of Cambridge, has so far supported six black students throughout their Cambridge education.
There has been very significant expansion over the past year with HSBC donating £2million to support 30 Stormzy Scholars over the next three years.
Stormzy’s charity #Merky Foundation, to which he has pledged £10million over 10 years, supports organisations, charities and movements fighting racial inequality, judicial reform and black empowerment in the UK.
Role model: Stormzy is not only an acclaimed performer, but also an inspirational spokesperson for black empowerment and social activism (pictured in June)