Standing before the spring Class of 2025 with the same passion that made Stomp a praise anthem and I Smile a global declaration of hope, 20-time Grammy Award-winning gospel music legend Kirk Franklin didn’t sing. Instead, he testified.To a sea of caps and gowns in the Vaughan Center, Franklin told the graduates about the importance of value, overcoming difficult situations, and resisting the urge to be “mid.”However, the message didn’t come without personal stories from Franklin’s life.Raised in poverty and rejection, Franklin told ECSU’s graduates that their paths, no matter how winding, are purposeful. According to Franklin, an intentional life is never too comfortable in the pursuit.
