Central State University hears Namibia president at summer convocation - speech by President Sam Nujoma

Jet, July 12, 1993

The president of Namibia accepted an honorary doctorate degree from Central State University (CSU) and stressed that the award also was for the strength of his people.

During a special summer Convocation in the Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center at CSU, Dr. Sam Nujoma said he was honored to be among such scholars. "The honor is not for me. It is a recognition of the courage, determination, steadfastness and perseverance - qualities which characterized the Namibian personality," said Nujoma, who was elected Namibia's first president in February 1990.

Central State University President Arthur E. Thomas conferred a Doctor of Laws honorary degree upon Nujoma.

President Nujoma said his South West African country is emerging from hundreds of years of colonial domination and racial exploitation. He explained:

"Racial hatred was fostered and a color bar imposed. It was a situation of |us' and |them,' and |Christian' and |pagan,' |master' and |slave.' Our people would not take this lying down. This was an insult to their dignity, their personality and their humanity."

Nujoma arrived in the United States earlier in June and met with President Bill Clinton. He became the first African head of state to meet with Clinton, according to reports. Nujoma said he was in the United States in search of help in arranging for exchange of professors and students, especially at the college level. "We are therefore encouraged by the commitment of Central State University to development efforts in Africa. We believe this is a beginning of a long road of cooperation and joint efforts."