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Lift Off: From the Classroom to the Stars
The Harvard Graduate School of Education convocation speech, praised as "powerful" by Hillary Rodham Clinton in Teen Vogue and "inspired" by Justin Timberlake, that has offered inspiration to millions around the world
In Lift Off, Donovan Livingston offers a groundbreaking rallying call about education, race, and the true nature of equality. In emotionally charged spoken-word poetry, Livingston shares a message of hope and hard truths, declaring that education can become an equalizer only if we first acknowledge the inequality and racial divides holding back America's future. Livingston is dedicated to helping young people reach their celestial potential, and in his galvanizing commencement address, now adapted for the first time to the page, he calls on us to raise our voices on behalf of all children, as their brighter futures can light up our own. Together, we can lift off!
Praise for Donovan Livingston
"Donovan Livingston gave a powerful speech at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's convocation. In a spoken-word poem, he shared his struggles in life and urged his fellow graduates to fight inequality and inspire students. . . . Donovan's message hit home. . . . [He is] part of a rising generation that's . . . standing up to some of the biggest challenges in the world today."--Hillary Rodham Clinton, Teen Vogue
"These are the words, and Donovan Livingston's voice and spirit are the music, but in any form, this rare graduation speech tells us that learning is full of bias, yet can lead us to the stars."--Gloria Steinem
"Donovan Livingston's Lift Off is our youth's gift to us. In this joyous young man's voice is the promise of tomorrow."--James McBride
In Lift Off, Donovan Livingston offers a groundbreaking rallying call about education, race, and the true nature of equality. In emotionally charged spoken-word poetry, Livingston shares a message of hope and hard truths, declaring that education can become an equalizer only if we first acknowledge the inequality and racial divides holding back America's future. Livingston is dedicated to helping young people reach their celestial potential, and in his galvanizing commencement address, now adapted for the first time to the page, he calls on us to raise our voices on behalf of all children, as their brighter futures can light up our own. Together, we can lift off!
Praise for Donovan Livingston
"Donovan Livingston gave a powerful speech at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's convocation. In a spoken-word poem, he shared his struggles in life and urged his fellow graduates to fight inequality and inspire students. . . . Donovan's message hit home. . . . [He is] part of a rising generation that's . . . standing up to some of the biggest challenges in the world today."--Hillary Rodham Clinton, Teen Vogue
"These are the words, and Donovan Livingston's voice and spirit are the music, but in any form, this rare graduation speech tells us that learning is full of bias, yet can lead us to the stars."--Gloria Steinem
"Donovan Livingston's Lift Off is our youth's gift to us. In this joyous young man's voice is the promise of tomorrow."--James McBride
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
64 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
7 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 21, 2018
Should great 3 minute slam poems be chopped up and turned into full length books and then sold for for $12? Well of course not.
I received a free copy of this book at a teacher event, so I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. While I liked the poem, packaging like this flies in the face of all the amazing poetry collections I've been reading this year.
Basically, lower the price to $6 and put it in the greeting card aisle for graduations. Or just go watch the YouTube video.
I received a free copy of this book at a teacher event, so I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. While I liked the poem, packaging like this flies in the face of all the amazing poetry collections I've been reading this year.
Basically, lower the price to $6 and put it in the greeting card aisle for graduations. Or just go watch the YouTube video.
August 12, 2017
Wow. I cannot express how much I loved this and would recommend it to EVERYBODY. A powerful and important speech that conveyed so much emotion. I immediately reread it, trying to absorb it all. Please do yourself a favour and read/listen to his words.
August 3, 2017
***Actual Star Rating: 2.75 Stars***
This is one speech that my sister told me that I should read as it has been an inspirational talk and one that has showed up to be highly recommended by a lot of people who either have had a chance to read it and/or a chance to read it. Normally it is these highly recommended items that give me pause from proceeding with my own favored opinions.
In this particular case I was hit first and foremost with the fact that Donovan used the talk to emphasize his race and how in the past it would have held him back from a good education. Although I acknowledge the truth of that I am also tired of all the racist talk and even though it makes the speech personal for him there have been people of all colors and genders who have been chained from trying to attempt higher education since of the same reasons that Donovan has faced.
Otherwise I did enjoy some of his thoughts and the encouragement of his words once the race factor was taken out for it reminded me of the Prophets' words as they encourage us for higher education since not only will it make our lives easier but it will also make our families' lives easier. Unfortunately I am right now at a point where higher education just seems to be out of reach and while others around me are able to go I feel that I am wasting my own potential even though I try to encourage others to back our teachers.
Otherwise the book has nice simple pictures, which I still haven't figured out how they relate to the actual writing of the pages and while listening to an audio sample for the same book I have noticed that the whole speech hasn't been given. In a sense it is a disappointment to me but it is what it is while probably eases some of the earlier frustrations I had about the subject of the speech to begin with.
Otherwise again this is a great read and inspirational for those who can find the hidden jewels, especially towards the ends of the talk itself. I hope if anything this talk will help others to continue to find that there are bright souls all around us while helping each other to be encouraged in pressing forth to make this world a better place no matter what injustices are own ancestors have faced or the insurmountable odds we are facing in these modern times.
Live, learn, encourage and continue to love those all around you even if they make you mad for we are all worth it, especially in Heavenly Father's eyes.
This is one speech that my sister told me that I should read as it has been an inspirational talk and one that has showed up to be highly recommended by a lot of people who either have had a chance to read it and/or a chance to read it. Normally it is these highly recommended items that give me pause from proceeding with my own favored opinions.
In this particular case I was hit first and foremost with the fact that Donovan used the talk to emphasize his race and how in the past it would have held him back from a good education. Although I acknowledge the truth of that I am also tired of all the racist talk and even though it makes the speech personal for him there have been people of all colors and genders who have been chained from trying to attempt higher education since of the same reasons that Donovan has faced.
Otherwise I did enjoy some of his thoughts and the encouragement of his words once the race factor was taken out for it reminded me of the Prophets' words as they encourage us for higher education since not only will it make our lives easier but it will also make our families' lives easier. Unfortunately I am right now at a point where higher education just seems to be out of reach and while others around me are able to go I feel that I am wasting my own potential even though I try to encourage others to back our teachers.
Otherwise the book has nice simple pictures, which I still haven't figured out how they relate to the actual writing of the pages and while listening to an audio sample for the same book I have noticed that the whole speech hasn't been given. In a sense it is a disappointment to me but it is what it is while probably eases some of the earlier frustrations I had about the subject of the speech to begin with.
Otherwise again this is a great read and inspirational for those who can find the hidden jewels, especially towards the ends of the talk itself. I hope if anything this talk will help others to continue to find that there are bright souls all around us while helping each other to be encouraged in pressing forth to make this world a better place no matter what injustices are own ancestors have faced or the insurmountable odds we are facing in these modern times.
Live, learn, encourage and continue to love those all around you even if they make you mad for we are all worth it, especially in Heavenly Father's eyes.
June 10, 2018
The foreword states that Donovan Livingston was chosen by his peers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to deliver the convocation address at their graduation ceremony.
That, in itself, is intriguing because it denotes the high regard of his peers. I wanted to know what it was that made them feel this way.
Oh yes, I did find out.
The book takes less than 10 minutes to read. I was not prepared for the format. I initially thought that I was reading the epigraph, and then a second one. By the forth page, I realized that this was indeed the speech. Knowing that the speech had gone viral, I decided at this point to go and watch the author deliver it. After watching, I returned to the book, finished it and then read it again. I have since read it a third and fourth time.
I rated this book a five because there is much to chew on in this short speech. It is powerful and invigorating. Education needs all the help it can get and it is always exciting to see people of passion moving into the field.
That, in itself, is intriguing because it denotes the high regard of his peers. I wanted to know what it was that made them feel this way.
Oh yes, I did find out.
The book takes less than 10 minutes to read. I was not prepared for the format. I initially thought that I was reading the epigraph, and then a second one. By the forth page, I realized that this was indeed the speech. Knowing that the speech had gone viral, I decided at this point to go and watch the author deliver it. After watching, I returned to the book, finished it and then read it again. I have since read it a third and fourth time.
I rated this book a five because there is much to chew on in this short speech. It is powerful and invigorating. Education needs all the help it can get and it is always exciting to see people of passion moving into the field.
March 17, 2018
I didn't realize this was a collection of poetry but it nonetheless inspires as if I read a professional development text specifically a few of the poems that allow you to step outside yourself and see the students and their potential when we forget that as educators.
It's simply and easy- a rallying call to reinvigorate our practice and ourselves. I'm glad I read it and will reflect on these two in particular.
"To educate required Galileo-like patience.
Today, when I look my students in the eyes,
all I see are constellations.
If you take the time to connect the dots, you can plot the true shape of their genius--
shining even in their darkest hour."
"An injustice
is telling them they are stars,
without acknowledging
the night that surrounds them.
Injustice is telling them
education is the key,
while you continue
to change the locks."
It's simply and easy- a rallying call to reinvigorate our practice and ourselves. I'm glad I read it and will reflect on these two in particular.
"To educate required Galileo-like patience.
Today, when I look my students in the eyes,
all I see are constellations.
If you take the time to connect the dots, you can plot the true shape of their genius--
shining even in their darkest hour."
"An injustice
is telling them they are stars,
without acknowledging
the night that surrounds them.
Injustice is telling them
education is the key,
while you continue
to change the locks."
May 18, 2017
Lift Off: From the Classroom to the Stars by Donovan Livingston is a small book with quite an impact. The words of Livingston take us on a journey through the history and the importance of education. Lift Off reminds us that the way we change the world is through education that teaches us where we came from, so we know where we're going. As I read I couldn't help but think about how important it is that we get education right, that we stop playing politics with education, and that we give all children an equal chance at an education that prepares them for the future. Lift Off inspires in its honesty and its hope.
June 28, 2017
I cannot say enough about this poem/speech. This is, in very lyrical form, all that I believe about mentoring and the importance of mentoring in our society. I don't care if you are a teacher or a parent or a grandparent or just someone who occasionally sees children as you move through your life, please take the time to read this offering and act on the reaction it causes.
My favourite line/stanza:
"At the core,
none of us were meant to be common.
We were born to be comets,
darting across space and time -
leaving our mark
as we crash into everything."
My favourite line/stanza:
"At the core,
none of us were meant to be common.
We were born to be comets,
darting across space and time -
leaving our mark
as we crash into everything."
February 6, 2019
A beautiful little book set against galactic - themed illustrations related to student achievement against all odds. If you saw the commencement address it is based off, then you already know how compelling and hopeful the message is, without falling into patronizing tropes. I found myself take snaps of lines with my phone and sending to friends. Very short, but the addition of the intro by Wes Moore was a great value-add.
October 17, 2019
I had an opportunity to hear Mr. Livingston speak at Auburn University in Auburn, Al in 2017 when my daughter started college. Listening to his story and all of the triumphs he had to overcome should be inspiring to every young person in college or not. Every college student should read his book before going to college and high school students as well to use as a tool when things get rough and you want to quit. His words are very powerful and thought-provoking.
February 6, 2020
If you watch the video of his speech it is a wonderful performance. But by reading the actual words the contradictions become vividly clear. Schooling is not emancipatory, it does not undermine inequity or oppression, schooling is the problem. This is a celebration of a competition focused attempt to make those who are attacked by the system somehow succeed in a system not built for them. This is feel good oppression at its finest.
March 26, 2020
I downloaded this from my library digital collection and was intrigued by the premise. That said, it fell very short. I understand it was a story of a commencement speech given at Harvard, however it lacked substance and was not very memorable to me as a reader. There were more pages of illustration than actual meaningful text. I’m disappointed after hearing great things.
May 12, 2017
Donovan Livingston's convocation was part of his Harvard School of Education graduation in 2016. It became popular and praised by Hillary Clinton among others. I will definietely share this book with other educators.
July 4, 2017
This was a great short read of a graduation speech by Donovan Livingston. It encourages everyone to work toward their goals in spite of their circumstances and to work toward making positive change in the world. I really enjoyed it.
October 30, 2018
2.5 stars
Poetry can be inspiring—slam poetry especially—but what isn't inspiring is watching a good one chopped up and spread out through 64 pages. The poem itself was fine, but I can't support one singular poem accompanied by abstract artwork for half of it by giving it a high rating.
Poetry can be inspiring—slam poetry especially—but what isn't inspiring is watching a good one chopped up and spread out through 64 pages. The poem itself was fine, but I can't support one singular poem accompanied by abstract artwork for half of it by giving it a high rating.
March 20, 2017
"An injustice / is telling them they are stars, / without acknowledging / the night that surrounds them."
Press this into the hands of every educator you know.
Press this into the hands of every educator you know.
May 21, 2017
"No.
Sky is not the limit.
It is only the beginning.
Lift off."
great speech with simple n good pictures to go with
Sky is not the limit.
It is only the beginning.
Lift off."
great speech with simple n good pictures to go with
June 2, 2017
Commencement Address at Harvard 2016. A great quick read. Reminded me of a poem I wrote to inspire women. People need to know their worth and the sooner we can plant that seed the better.
June 5, 2017
Important perspective, beautifully presented.
September 13, 2017
"After all, educators are astronomers-searching for the next shooting star."
A powerful message and reminder for me as a teacher.
A powerful message and reminder for me as a teacher.
October 26, 2017
lovely
November 30, 2017
Initial thoughts: Some insightful thoughts right there, particularly about race and education. Better heard than read, though that's expected when it comes to spoken word poetry.
May 19, 2018
What a lovely poem. Keeping this on my desk for when I need teaching inspiration.
January 16, 2019
Still as powerful and inspiring as the speech.
The words let me sit with it longer and enable me to find my own conviction through it.
The words let me sit with it longer and enable me to find my own conviction through it.
May 6, 2019
A fitting end to one hell of a journey this year...
Well said, Donovan.
Well said, Donovan.
October 13, 2021
It's a cute book
June 18, 2023
Touching poetry. Very short but thought provoking. The block prints charmed me.
April 9, 2017
a very uplifting speech
April 15, 2017
A tiny, perfectly designed nugget of a book that I've already read 4 times. I want to memorize it.
April 17, 2017
Any book that is described as "Powerful" by Hillary Clinton is suspect. The speech isn't bad, but, being that I know education is a process that people go through, not what happens in 'school', I have to disagree with his conclusions.
April 19, 2017
Beautiful illustrations accompany powerful words. Goosebump inducing. A must read for every person who believes in the power of words, stories, and education to change lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews