His speech sent messages about ending gang violence, the importance of education and the road to academic success.

Watson is the Chairman of The National Youth and Gang Violence TaskForce. The organization is designed to get black males, in particular, to put down the guns and to end gang violence, Watson said.

“We’re out there, traveling around the country, promoting black-on-black love to counteract black-on-black violence,” he said. “We think it’s time for young males to keep the peace and get on with the business of getting those degrees, because we live in a globally competitive world.”

Watson also is the president and CEO of The Center for Black Student Achievement. The organization is Watson’s full-time mission and its main focus is getting students to focus on academic excellence and achievement, he said.

“(I’m here to) talk about the road to success to students of color and to let them know that in order for them to become successful, they have to have an – taken from the book of (President Barack Obama) – ‘I can’ mentality,” Watson said.

Advertising senior Alexander Boone found Watson’s speech and message powerful. Boone has been a member of a group called The Advantage since 2007, which is a student organization dedicated to increasing graduation rates among underrepresented populations.

“It’s always some kind of excuse as to why you aren’t successful,” Boone said. “‘I wasn’t given a full deck of cards to play with.’ I think it’s important to not hold yourself back. He seems to have a really real delivery, and that kind of a down-to-earth delivery really makes for an engaging message and it cuts to the chase and gets real.”

Vice president for student affairs and services Lee June and his office were a sponsor in bringing Watson to MSU. June said he has followed Watson’s career throughout the years.

“He gives an inspiring message and he challenges the audience,” he said.

Murray Edwards, director of the MSU Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, was directly involved in sending the invitation to Watson.

“He fits in the theme (of The Advantage),” he said. “He has an excellent strategy for college success.”

With the help of mentorship and guidance, Watson graduated from Fordham University in 1979. Watson hopes to inspire other students to succeed.

“Some of the rebellious students, if given a second chance, can succeed,” he said. “All they need are words of encouragement.”