As she addressed a crowd of USC students about participating in the political process, actress Phylicia Rashad channeled her inner Clair Huxtable and told the students exactly what she thought.
“Your participation is essential,” Rashad said.
Known for her role as Bill Cosby’s wife on “The Cosby Show” and for being the first African-American woman to win a Tony award, Rashad has traveled across the country to promote political awareness, especially with young people. After speaking in the Russell House Theater at an event put on by the USC College Democrats on Tuesday night, Rashad was greeted with a standing ovation.
Rashad spoke deliberately, stressing the importance of each word and syllable. Taking the time to gather her thoughts, she began describing her personal background and how she came to care so deeply about politics in high school.
“I learned the importance of civic participation and that elected officials didn’t have to stay in office,” Rashad said. “I learned I can say something about this; I can do something about this.”
Rashad also spoke about the importance of college students getting involved in politics. While speaking about the meaning of the word “law,” she said that only God’s law is perfect, and that man-made law needs some work.
Rashad also told students to “not be deterred by things you hear.” Having been in show business, Rashad said she can recognize the difference between genuine messages and marketing pitches.
Jaime Harrison, chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, also spoke and called Rashad a great friend. He also urged students to remember the history of the country and how far African-Americans’ rights have come in the government.
Additionally, Harrison asked students to remember the words Martin Luther King Jr. wrote while jailed in Birmingham, Ala., in 1963.
“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people,” Harrison quoted King as saying. “Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation.”
Harrison said that standing by and not voting in state elections is similar to being silent in the face of opposition. After asking students to raise their hands if they remembered the Trayvon Martin case, Harrison reminded the audience that Stand Your Ground laws also exist in South Carolina and that state leaders passed them.
“You deserve the best leadership here in South Carolina,” Harrison said.
Students also had the chance to ask Rashad questions following her speech, but many took that opportunity to express their affection for her. The USC chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority presented her with a gift, and Chris Campbell, a second-year law student, said he was nervous to speak to her and asked to give her a hug. Rashad obliged.
After being asked by a 10-year-old how younger kids can also make a difference in the political process, Rashad smiled.
“You just did,” she said.