“Vulnerability is not a weakness” - Misan Harriman tells SOAS graduates
Following a stylish night of capturing the very best in British fashion and contemporary culture at the British Fashion Awards 2022, photographer, entrepreneur and social activist, Misan Harriman received his Honorary Fellowship from SOAS University of London on Wednesday 7 December.
Addressing the graduating class at the SOAS winter graduation ceremony, he reflected on his struggles in school with his neurodiversity and self-doubt. He proclaimed to graduands that “vulnerability is not a weakness” and acknowledged his journey of acceptance of his own vulnerability and self-determination, calling on graduands to be empathetic and “not to lose your sense of justice.”
The photographer and current Chair of the Southbank Centre also recognised the difficulties for this class of graduates following the Covid-19 pandemic and encouraged them to force change in the world.
Read Misan’s full speech below:
“Thank you for having me here today. I am humbled and thankful. As I look across the room today, I think about the great possibility of life itself. I had a difficult time at school because my mind was different. My neuro-divergent self as a little boy was too afraid to believe in myself, and I struggled in the classroom. I couldn't do written exams and was riddled with Self-doubt and a lack of self-love. Everything changed when I met my darling, Camilla. She fell in love with all the parts of my mind I was ashamed of, which unlocked a sense of self-belief I never had. I picked up the camera just 5 years ago, and it has taken me on an extraordinary journey. It has been my sword and shield and has allowed me to observe the full fidelity of the human condition.
This generation of graduates has an extraordinary opportunity to force change in a world that needs you more than ever before; I know that many of you have been waiting a long time to graduate. The time that Covid took from many of us made us have this moment of deep reflection, and many of us have carved out a better version of ourselves through this adversity. As we go forth toward a world that is seemingly burning we must never lose our sense of intentionality and purpose.
The network effect of empathy genuinely can move Mountains. You don't have to lose your sense of justice. Your sense of what's right in your heart in any professional endeavour you choose to do. It is so essential that you keep that with you as you shape the world. And PLEASE remember, vulnerability is not a weakness. I wear mine with pride. Its OK not to be OK. That makes you human.
I ask you today to never stop listening to that whisper within you, that knows you better than anyone else. Walk that road less travelled with purpose and empathy. It will take you to places that your dreams were afraid to image.”
About Misan Harriman
Photographer, entrepreneur and social activist Misan Harriman is one of the most widely-shared photographers of the Black Lives Matter movement. He is also the first black person in the 104 year history of British Vogue to shoot the cover of its September issue. In July 2021 he commenced his appointment as Chair of the Southbank Centre, London.
Misan’s strong reportage style and unique eye for narrative has captured the attention of editors and celebrities around the world. From documenting historic moments in history to photographing high profile celebrities, including Meghan Markle & Prince Harry, Angelia Jolie, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Giorgio Armani, Rhianna, Cate Blanchett and Olivia Colman, Misan is a photographer of extraordinary range.
His commissions include royal, private and high profile portraiture as well as reportage documenting and covering behind the scenes at major awards, music festivals and film sets. His striking images have featured in Vanity Fair, Vogue UK, Harpers Bazaar, People Magazine and The Telegraph among others.
Misan is an outspoken activist supporting Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace, he is also a mental health campaigner with a keen interest in Dyslexia and Neurodiversity.
He is the founder of What We Seee whose mission is to surface and amplify uplifting and inspirational stories in a curated stream of the best output from diverse voices, artists, archives and brands to raise the tone of cultural conversation.
In October 2022 he travelled to Somaliland to bring attention to the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. He was also named as the new Ambassador for Save The Children. He is using his camera to help bring attention to the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Nigeria born, Misan was educated in England where he developed a life-long love for the arts. This led him to picking up a camera and honing his craft.
