R-CCC celebrates 56th commencement with historic keynote from The Honorable Takiya Lewis Blalock
R-CCC celebrates 56th commencement with historic keynote from The Honorable Takiya Lewis Blalock
AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) proudly celebrated its 56th commencement ceremony on May 2, honoring the Class of 2025 with an evening filled with pride, inspiration and community spirit.
The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by The Honorable Takiya Lewis Blalock, a trailblazing Hertford County native who recently made history with her election as District Court Judge for North Carolina’s District 7. On Jan. 1, 2025, Blalock joined her father, W. Rob Lewis II, on the bench, making them the first father-daughter judges to serve concurrently in the same judicial district in state history.
Blalock shared her journey from local roots to the bench, inspiring graduates with her message of courage, resilience and purpose.
“What you have done to get to this point is nothing short of amazing. You should be proud of yourselves,” Blalock told graduates.
“Today, you are officially leaving your comfort zone. Life is beginning, and you are all embarking on a new journey,” she said. “You have to be unafraid to take the leap and do things you’ve never done before. Fear cannot be the reason you don’t reach your destiny. Don’t give yourself permission to quit. Don’t shortchange yourself because the road may get a little harder than you thought it would be or because you’re tired. You’re made for this.”
Blalock reflected on her decision to pursue a judgeship and the challenges she faced when others doubted her timing or capabilities.
“Some people created their own box for me and expected me to stay in it,” she said. “But think about where I would be if I had stayed in that box. Sometimes, trusting and believing in yourself is going to be the best thing you can do.”
She urged graduates to define success on their own terms and to block out doubt from others.
“It doesn’t matter if some people think you’re not good enough or smart enough. You are,” Blalock said. “What someone else thinks about you is not your business. Success is defined by your determination and your resilience.”
R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams also addressed the graduates, emphasizing the meaning of commencement and the legacy of learning.
“The graduation ceremony is a rite of passage that scholars have enjoyed for hundreds of years,” Williams said. “It signifies that a new phase in your lives has begun.”
“Wear your cap and gown proudly and cross this stage when the time comes knowing that you have accepted the challenge to learn more, to do more, to be more and to use your skills and knowledge to make the world a little bit better,” she added.
This year, 136 students graduated from R-CCC, earning a total of 181 academic and workforce credentials. The awards included:
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Associate in Applied Science degrees: 48
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Certificates: 73
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Associate degrees: 52
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Diplomas: 8
In addition, one student earned a High School Equivalency diploma through the college’s College and Career Readiness program.
Student Government Association President Markee Watford, also the recipient of the 2025 Governor Bob Scott Leadership Award, offered words of encouragement to his fellow graduates.
“Class of 2025, we did it!” Watford said. “Whether you’re heading into the workforce or continuing your journey to a four-year institution, remember to never stop soaring, never settle and never give up. If you stumble or fall, don’t stay there. Know that tomorrow will bring a 24-hour fresh chance to try again. Our future is bright.”
Roanoke-Chowan Community College remains committed to empowering students and enriching the region through high-quality education and training opportunities. Visit www.roanokechowan.edu for more information about our programs.
Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission
Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu#DiscoverRCCC“Where community and careers connect”
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