This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Stepping out from behind the podium, two-time National Poetry Slam winner Sekou Andrews gave a rollicking speech to the largest-ever class of Salt Lake Community College graduates Thursday.

Using superheroes as a metaphor, Andrews acknowledged the difficulties many of the 4,218 graduates overcame to finish their degrees and encouraged them to take a "soul selfie" when they get discouraged.

"You each have, hands down, the best superpower anyone can have — the ability to use your mind to achieve seemingly impossible feats," he said. "Y'all make it look easy to finish that which is hardest, and this world is waiting on your movement, so let's get this party started."

Lindsay Whitehurst

lwhitehurst@sltrib.com

Twitter: @lwhitehurst