Cory Booker's 2012 Commencement Address

June 17, 2012 - Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, challenges Stanford graduates to be courageous, never lose faith and always work together during Stanford's 121st Commencement. He extolls lessons from his own father and grandfather through stories of hardship, hope, and humor. Booker encourages graduates to find and join their own "conspiracy of love" -- people who will help lift them up in times of need, provide a community and challenge them to go beyond what they think is possible.

Stanford University:

Commencement 2012:

Stanford University Channel on YouTube:

[DareDreamerPres]

Note to Stanford...I hope you understand that most people are not conscious enough or caring enough to hear something so spectacular and not rip it apart. He spoke of something that is greatly needed in a country that is at risk of losing so much of what our ancestors lived and died for.

[Tamara-qddc]

Cory Booker, thank you for your amazing wisdom!

Stanford graduates, mostly from the privileged backgrounds and all positioned for a life of privilege by virtue of their degree from Stanford, needed this reminder of what truly means in life, not the superficial success as defined by our today's society.

[hstan]

This is a phenomenal speech. We saw this live at my son's commencement. I was expecting a mildly pedantic commencement speech by the mayor of Newark. But I was blown away.

Funny, scary, inspiring, humbling, uplifting, human, thoughtful, mayor Booker had me riveted to my seat in the 90-degree heat.

[Yinkaolaito]

A speech from the heart: Impactful, sincere and energetic from someone who demonstrates his talk and belief

[EuniceCChina]

This video is more than I could have asked for. A world of thanks.

[Yenni]

I am so glad i decided to go to my cousin's graduation. Had I not gone I wouldn't have been able to hear this wonderful speech.

[jamaljulien]

That was the most beautiful commencent speech I had ever seen.

[maribeladaya]

Best Graduation Ever!! My daughter graduated, we are so proud of her, it was amazing to be there!! Thank you Stanford!! :)

[razieldumas]

I can hardly wait to vote for Mayor Booker in 2016.

[ravenman]

I too was baking and this was my third time. I wondered how Mr. Booker's theme would unfold given his words of Obama. I really enjoyed this commencement as he talked of family. The two pieces I will always remember are " sedentary aggravation" and "conspiracy of love"
Yes, it is 43 mins. but start it and stop if you can.

[JohnRampton]

Amazing speech. Thanks for sharing this motivational speech!

[archimedes]

listening to graduation speeches makes my nerves fulfilled. A month from now, I will be tasting how it feels like to graduate.

[bornin]

The word is relevant. And it was, even if you didn't get it.

[mosseljaan]

I had tears in my eyes during the speech, great speech! But 27:54 just cracked me up, hahaha

[Liza-olor]

I expected the same, but I was wrong. This was wonderful, alive, thoughtful.

[andrew]

Wow, probably one of the best speeches I've ever heard

[rithe]

This was so inspiring and beautiful. I wish I can give speeches like that

[DareDreamerPres]

so inspiring...thank you for posting this. I knew I would need to listen again...if Stanford grads don;t get why this was relevant, they will as they grow older and bump into the world...

[MetalGearGarrett]

(5:00) (7:00) and (34:00) Most Inspiring moments...

[juanissaa]

me encanta! es muy natural su forma de expresarse, asi soy yo... y me encantaria entender todo al 100%, lo escuchare varias veces para entender todos sus consejos... saludos a todos!