“We must remain focused on our primary mission — to teach children.” Todd said. “Faculty, you must continue to teach for life; students, you must learn for survival.”

Todd expounded on “Walking Livingstone down a dirt road to education and salvation.” He invited the audience to briefly leave the information superhighway behind and recognize that they can get an education despite the smaller challenges of dorm life and the cafeteria food or larger struggles of racism.

Todd pointed out most people are prepared for the challenges that come along with failure but are not as equipped to deal with the challenges of success.

“Education enhances you and has always made the difference,” Todd said.

The students cheered as the attorney rattled off the names of their favorite hip-hop artists and rap lyrics to show them that while music and styles change, “education always remains number one on the charts and always in style.”

He encouraged students to remember to give back once they depart from the institution. “It’s not only your challenge but your responsibility. You are reaping the harvest of seeds planted by someone else. You must give back to Livingstone and Hood. Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t a quality education to be had here,” Todd said.

Todd runs his law firm in Chicago. He has handled high profile civil rights cases involving education, housing, police misconduct, employment discrimination and re-apportionment.

He is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Louisiana, the United States Court of Military Appeals, the Supreme Court of Illinois and the United States Supreme Court.