Figures Gives Keynote Address at ASU Commencement
U.S. Representative Shomari Figures (D-AL2) delivered the keynote address at Alabama State University's annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 2, marking a significant moment for both the University and the Congressman. The event, held at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome in Montgomery, celebrated students' dedication to civic engagement and academic excellence.
Rep. Figures, who represents Alabama's 2nd Congressional District, shared insights from his journey in public service and emphasized the importance of active participation in democracy.
“Progress isn’t promised—it’s earned through sacrifice,” Figures said. “Progress is built upon, step-by-step, and generation by generation. But if we’re not careful, if we stop pushing, if we stop building, if we stop working, if we stop teaching our history, if we stop learning about our history, if we stop celebrating what we’ve overcome, if we stop valuing institutions like Alabama State, then our future generations could be meeting in Councill Hall again to organize and march all over again. That’s the cycle. And it’s up to you — to us — to decide where we are in that cycle, and what we’re willing to fight for, and how we will break that cycle.”
Figures' presence at the ceremony underscored his commitment to education and civic responsibility. His message encouraged students to remain engaged and to recognize their potential as agents of change within their communities.
Figures’ father, the late Michael Figures, served as a state senator and lawyer who advocated for civil rights in Alabama. His mother, Vivian Figures, served on the Mobile City Council and currently holds the position of Alabama State Senator.
The Mobile, Alabama, native attended the University of Alabama for both his undergraduate and law degrees. Before being elected to Congress, he held several roles across the federal government. He first served as a federal law clerk, then as President Barack Obama’s White House Domestic Director of Presidential Personnel. He later served as a White House Liaison at the Department of Justice before becoming a counsel in the United States Senate. Figures returned to the Department of Justice as Deputy Chief of Staff to Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Figures is married to Dr. Kalisha Dessources Figures, and they have three children.
The full text of Figure’s remarks may be found HERE.
