— Photos by Alonso Nichols, Tufts University

Alfre Woodard, award-winning actor, producer and activist, delivered the 2019 commencement address at Tufts University this past Sunday morning.

During her stirring and entertaining speech, Woodard encouraged members of the class of 2019 at Tufts to “drop that mic” in celebration of all that they have endured on their path to graduating.

She reminded students to “never let anybody who is telling the truth stand alone,” and advised them, “Life is good, even when it’s complicated. Stay in it. Create. Foster justice. Have fun. Moisturize, moisturize. Hydrate. Step away from the single-use plastics and people like them. Put your phones down, my friends, and live.”

Other memorable quotes from her address include:

“The tell of a patriot is not by how much he loves the symbols of the nation, but by how much she loves the people of her country … That is how you love your country.”

“You’re headed for the front lines, my dears … Screw up, big time, and then keep living, keep reaching, and seeking.”

“You know, you’re not supposed to feel good every day. And you’re certainly not supposed to look good every day. So don’t believe IG-Instagram is a pimp … it’s crazy pants.”

“Bring your gifts to the healing of the nations … especially when it is unpopular, stand for the true principles of life, liberty, choice, and the pursuit of happiness to which we are all entitled.”

“And remember, never let anybody who is telling the truth stand alone … Live long and prosper. Congratulations!”