LeVar Burton Was Given an Honorary Degree at the Howard University Graduation
Hugely honored with an honorary title, LeVar Burton, a hugely popular educator and actor, was awarded a Doctor of Letters degree from Howard University at the 157th commencement ceremony which took place on May 10, 2025. The awarding of a prestigious award such as this as ever has been the crowning achievement of a versatile craftsman oversized life as he was asked to give a lecture to the graduating class as well.
The iconic artist who was absolutely famous for carrying the role of Kunta Kinte in Roots and by hosting the show, Reading Rainbow, explored the possibilities of the same period to initiate the attendees and thus convey to them his triumphant survival of reading disabilities, and the great cause of accessibility in the educational field. Through his oration, Burton vividly brought out the point that the worldwide magnitude of education had on his life and how, despite the passing years, it has remained the dominant factor in his personal and professional life.
What Will Be Burton’s Next Music Swerve: “Are You Gonna Rise?” with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
It was out of the hands of everyone but was the case that we heard of an unexpected and powerful partnership, one being that of LeVar Burton being together on a much-needed song of empowerment with the author of the podcaster essay “Are You Gonna Rise?”. A revealing revelation, indeed Burton who not long ago entered the world of podcasts by the name of Podsongs, was interviewed and he uses a very obscure slang to describe the tune, “cool stuff on the show” is actually an electro-acoustic song which unites on ep the folk style of Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band.
The music piece is not only an ordinary song, no, in contrast, it is a call to awaken and act in a new and hopeful direction. Emulating the spirit of the legendary American folk musicians Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, the song “Are You Gonna Rise?” stands for change and the aspiration to encourage the young generation to act in a more sustainable way. Burton has pointed out that the track is a “forceful anthem for the current time,” indicating the musician’s presence not only on the TV screen but also in music and activism.
Supporting Public Broadcasting and Access to Literacy
LeVar Burton’s support for public broadcasting has always been steady and unequivocal. In a discussion that took place in the recent past, he openly stated that the endeavor to make education and its benefits more accessible to the public is very pressing. Through an appeal by Burton, the public has been tocribed the contributions of PBS as an engine flow and a provider of excellent learning materials of millions of children.
Oppression has been another issue that Burton has sought to unveil through the platform he occupies by giving voice to the deserving individuals who have been, and still are, marginalized. Without this, the possibilities for community, in particular, the neglected ones, to reach vital and educative resources would be less or non-existent. If the subject of PBS and educational programs financing becomes louder, the support of literacy by Burton remains to be the major theme of his public activities.
How LeVar Burton’s Heritage Shapes Education
The transformative power of LeVar Burton goes beyond just the entertainment world as he is also taking education on a similar journey. Since the “Rainbow” days, this rainbow of reading the has been the ultimate vehicle for his unwavering commitment to the cause of public education and inclusivity. A glimpse of his journey will tell you all about the might of media that emerges through the less strength of one person on the other side.
In 2025, the legacy of Burton appears to be very much in focus. He will still be able to inspire educators, activists, and change-makers of the future. LeVar Burton will certainly be a force to reckon with. In his award-winning acting, new collaborations, or ongoing commitment to literacy, Mr. Burton’s influences will not be reflected still be up to inspire for years to come.
