Rev. Al Sharpton Challenges Graduates

Greatness comes when you stand up for what is right and are willing to take a chance without knowing the outcome, the Rev. Al Sharpton Jr. told graduates at a special baccalaureate service Sun., June 27.

Sharpton, a tireless civil rights leader and a candidate for the democratic nomination for U.S. president in 2004, pointed to the efforts of former South African president and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela and U.S. President Barack Obama to persevere without knowing whether they would achieve their goals. Their successes are examples of greatness, he said.

"Everybody was born to some purpose," Sharpton told an enthusiastic crowd jammed into First Baptist Church of Highland Park.

"Part of the purpose of life and the challenge of life is to seek your calling and fulfill your calling. If you fulfill your calling, you will wear a crown."