NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly Delivers L.I.U. Brooklyn Campus Graduation Speech

In serving on the NYC police force for over 40 years, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly has been responsible for helping to promote positive change throughout the city. This morning, he encouraged L.I.U. Brooklyn Campus graduates to do the same with their own lives.

During a stirring commencement speech for the graduation senior class at L.I.U. Brooklyn Campus this morning, Kelly urged graduates to work towards creating progress in the community and bridging the gaps of inequality.

"L.I.U. Brooklyn has been part of the remarkable transformation of making this area one of the city's most desirable places to live," said Kelly. "One way the school has done that is investing in the lives of the people around it, and by compelling students to get involved in that mission too. I hope that influence will guide you well beyond this day."

Kelly, a former cop in the 88th Precinct, cited the remarkable statistical decline in crime throughout the city between now and his time serving Fort Greene thirty years ago. Among those differences included a 70 percent decline in murders, an 82 percent reduction in robberies, and a 90 percent reduction in cars stolen.

However, he also cited Dr. Martin Luther King and his belief that one of our goals should be to bridge the gap between abject poverty and inordinate wealth, and said that we still had much work to be done on that front city-wide.

"No doubt, you've seen the gulf between this modern campus, the elegant brownstones of Fort Greene, and, not far away, some of the poorest neighborhoods in this city," said Kelly. "Decades after his death, deep inequality remains."

Kelly applauded the graduates for their commitment to working towards removing inequality, citing their work with, among other things, literacy and mentoring at-risk youth, addressing the healthcare crisis through the Brenda Pillars Asthma Education Program, and serving as NYC Police Cadets.

In closing the speech, Kelly urged the graduates to continue their community outreach, either through volunteering or as a career.

"What this country needs are idealists," said Kelly. "We need new, energetic voices to counter the notion that our problems are too big to overcome. We need young people who will continue to strive for that city of righteousness. We need you."

Many of the families in attendance at the ceremony were impressed with Kelly's motivational delivery to the graduates.

"I thought having him speak was a fitting choice," said Olivia Farquharson, whose sister, Kristle, was graduating from the School of Education with a degree in Chemistry. "He gets a lot of credit for bringing the crime rate down in the city and having a positive impact, and because of that, he's a great choice to encourage the graduating class to continue serving the underserved."

In addition to delivering the commencement speech, Kelly also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. CNN Anchor Soledad O'Brien received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.