Denzel Washington Wows Dillard Students

Photo credit: Jasmine Elise Haynes Theodore George reads "Man on Fire," his poem paying tribute to Denzel Washington, left, as Rebecca Roussell listens at Dillard University.

By Stacey Paul
Black College Wire

They screamed, jumped on chairs and waved their arms excitedly. Denzel Washington walked into the Napoleon Ballroom of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel to talk to a packed room of 500 Dillard University students.

"You never know how you'll influence people. As long as you have a positive influence, that's all that matters," said the Academy Award-winning actor, invited by the school's public relations department to the Katrina-hit school's temporary location.

Washington was in New Orleans filming "Déjà Vu," about a cop who travels back in time to prevent a woman from being killed, and ends up falling in love with her.

Theodore George, a graduating senior and political science and urban studies major, took the opportunity to tell the star of his ambition to write scripts. Washington invited him to the stage to read "Man on Fire," a poem paying tribute to Washington and the movies he has made. George was cheered on by the crowd and shook hands with Washington, who smiled.

"It was so inspiring to see a young person gain acceptance from such an outstanding personality in the media," said Alcina Walters, sophomore and international business and Spanish major. "It was a very proud moment for me."

Rebecca Roussell, a senior and mass communications major, and hostess for the April 20 event, asked Washington about his Academy Awards. Washington earned a best actor Oscar in 2001 for "Training Day" and was best supporting actor in 1989 for "Glory." Washington said he owed his success to God. "Man gives the award and God gives the reward," he said.

The actor spoke of faith and getting down on his knees every morning and night to thank God for his existence and ask for guidance. "That's the way that you become a successful human being. He's the reason I'm here," Washington said.

Photo credit: Jasmine Elise Haynes "Man gives the award and God gives the reward," Washington told the students.

Walters said, "I felt his sincerity and was deeply touched. It is always moving when people of his stature are humble and realize that they are not infallible."

Washington told the crowd he wears a Dillard University cap in the opening scene of "Déjà Vu" to increase awareness of the university. This prompted the students to chant his name, and their screams increased in volume. Washington also said he he had visited Dillard's campus on Gentilly Boulevard.

"I love this man," graduating senior Romiesha Tucker said.

"It was difficult to see him leave," said Walters. He stayed about an hour. "He told us that he was on his lunch break and had to return to work. I like his sense of humor," Walters said.

Stacey Paul is a sophomore majoring in mass communications at Dillard University.

Posted May 12, 2006