 Education is a right. It is a civil right. So stand up for it. Fight for it. Speak up for it. Founded in 1866 for the education of freed slaves, Fisk University is the oldest institution of higher education in Nashville. Fisk, dedication to liberal arts education at the turn of the century, distinguished it and earned its reputation as one of the premier black universities in the country. Fisk was at the center of the civil rights movement dating back to 1960, when Fisk students joined other black leaders in the Nashville sit-ins. Fisk students John Lewis and Diane Nash were leaders during the nonviolent protest against segregation, which led to Nashville becoming the first major city in the South to desegregate launch counters. The two became early leaders of the national student nonviolent coordinating committee. Many Fisk alumni have gone on to brilliant careers in public service, education, social activism, and the arts, just to name a few. Today, Fisk continues to produce graduates from diverse backgrounds, with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions through society. Today, the Titans are proud to celebrate the men and women of Fisk University as our 12th Titan sword of honoree. If I hadn't been for Fisk University, I don't know what would have happened to me.