Harvard University's first Black president, Claudine Gay, takes oath
Harvard University is welcoming its first Black president since the Cambridge, Massachusetts, school was founded nearly 400 years ago.
Claudine Gay, who officially took the oath Friday, has been serving as the university's 30th president since July 1.
Not only is she the first Black president, Gay is also only the second woman to lead the university.
"I stand before you on this stage with the weight and the honor of being a first, able to say, 'I am Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard University,'" she said Friday.
Gay first joined Harvard in 2006 as a professor of government.
"It is a game changer. If you want to do something around diversity, bring people with lived experience who understand and have a sense of urgency around impacting the diversity within our institution. Put them in charge," said Michael Curry, a NAACP national board member.
"I earned my doctorate here at Harvard University," said Priscilla Douglas, Boston Public Library chair and author.
Douglas, the state's first Black woman cabinet member a former secretary of Consumer Affairs and business regulations, was one of the inaugural guests.
Undergrads are already proud.
"Kind of reassuring to see that it is possible for a woman to kind of be in a position like that," said Harvard senior Diana Shaari.
"I think it's about time. She's very impressive. And I think I'm very excited. I think it's a little bit overdue," said freshman Ezekiel Wells.
