Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is not receiving the warm welcome he intended after being named keynote commencement speaker at his alma mater, Howard University.
On May 2, the university released a video address announcing Reed as the keynote speaker. The news, however, came as a surprise to students and alumni because Reed is currently facing misconduct and corruption allegations stemming from activities while mayor.
“Returning to Howard always feels like coming home to me,” Reed said in a statement. “No source, with the exception of my family and my faith, have played a more important role in any success that I have had in my career than Howard University."
Howard University is pleased to announce that alumnus and former mayor of Atlanta, the Honorable Kasim Reed, will deliver the keynote address during the 151st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2019. pic.twitter.com/zi7ab4Rw7z
— Howard University (@HowardU) May 2, 2019
According to The Atlanta-Journal Consitution, the 49-year-old and members of his administration were accused of lavish credit card spending. A report from the city paper also claimed his director of human resources and council members handed out bonuses totaling $800,000 in 2017. Members of Reed's administrations received subpoenas last year from a grand jury for their alleged misconduct.
Reed graduated from the prestigious historically Black college in 1991 and has a close relationship with Howard University President Wayne Frederick. The former Democratic politician will also be presented the university's Presidential Medal of Achievement.
Frederick sang Reed's praises calling him a "dedicated public servant" despite the corruption allegations.
“His body of work in a life dedicated to public service and commitment to higher education exudes our motto of truth and service,” Frederick said in a release.
Critics did not let the university forget.
You look guilty @KasimReed don’t come
— ki. (@_kieraaaa) May 2, 2019
Nope… try again.
This is shameful. Please regroup and do better. You have nine days to get this mess together.
— Tiffany Rae (@__tiffanyrae) May 2, 2019
Some mentioned his administration's handling of the city's transient population.
This is despicable. @KasimReed was a horrible mayor for the poor/homeless Black folks in this city, and the city is worse off for it. Your students deserve someone MUCH better than Kasim Greed.
— Da'Shaun Harrison (@_iAmRoyal) May 2, 2019
— TGP (@champagnetatti) May 2, 2019
Reed will go through with the keynote address. In a tweet released the same day of the video address, he promised to be there for the university's commencement scheduled for May 11.
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