Black Excellence: At Age 70, Grandfather Earns His Doctoral Degree from Top US University

• African-American grandfather, Joseph Grant has graduated with his PhD in Political Science from Howard University, HU
• He set a record in his family as one of the oldest living persons to obtain his doctoral degree from the university
• Grant is now poised to use his distinguished academic achievement to motivate others, particularly his grandson

At age 70, Joseph Grant walked across the stage to receive his doctoral degree in Political Science from Howard University, HU, making himself proud in 2021.

He is living proof that a person is never too old to follow their dreams and achieve them.

Afrotech reports that Grant will focus on the American government and Black politics.

Grant grew up at a time when racism was rife, where things were separate but equal in the United States of America.

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The native of South Carolina took a leap of faith when he was 65-years-old and relocated to Washington DC to attend Howard University. His decision paid off.

Although his studies were delayed by two years because of a medical issue, Grant persevered with support from loved ones.

Now, he wants to use his academic milestone to motivate his grandson.

''I want him to know that his grandfather did it and that I completed my program at 70 after facing many challenges.

''I want him to be really motivated to come to Howard when it’s his time,'' said Grant, according to Afrotech.

How Determined African-American GrandFather Earned His PhD Against all Odds

At 83, Johnnie Jones made history when he became the oldest living Black person to earn a doctoral degree from the Louisiana State University, LSU, in 2018.

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Attaining higher education had always been his dream, but he left school in sixth grade to support his family after World War II.

Jones knew the importance of education but still couldn't continue his studies when he joined the Marine Corps at 18.

Black Man Becomes First Lawyer in His Family

Also, YEN.com.gh reported that Ray Curtis Petty Jr, ESQ is the definition of a fighter who has overcome cycles of obstacles life threw at him to achieve his goal as a legal brain, becoming the first lawyer in his family.

Undaunted by the mountain of difficulties and childhood inadequacies, he triumphed and made history as his family's first-generation attorney.

Recounting his story on his Instagram account, he recalls being told by his teachers that he should be in special education classes. His coaches also doubted his ability to remember a playbook as a child, he said.

Source: YEN.com.gh