R&B singer Usher Raymond was officially bestowed an honorary Doctorate from the noted tertiary institution Berklee College of Music on Saturday.

Usher was among three honorary awardees recognized by the Boston-based school for their contribution to music and social justice and upliftment.

The other two honourees were legendary singer Roberta Flack and musician and activist Sonia Jobertha.

All three were among the more than 1,230 graduates from 62 countries present to accept their respective awards at the Agganis Arena in Boston for Berklee College of Music’s 2023 commencement ceremony.

“Usher was recognized for his tremendous artistry and profound influence on R&B music. He was also lauded for his role as a devout humanitarian,” Berklee said in a statement.

They continued, “[he has also raised] tens of millions of dollars for various causes and uplifting youth via his New Look Foundation, which has provided opportunities for young people in underserved communities since 1999.”

“My goal as an artist has always been to inspire people to make a positive impact through my music, to make you feel something,” Usher said while addressing the 2023 graduating class.

“keep running past that finish line [of your goals], break the barriers, identify that spark in you that motivates you to keep going.” he urged the new graduates adding, “..don’t expect everything to be perfect and run smoothly.”

“ …Take what you’ve learned here [at Berklee], go into the world, and make great things.”

Flack was honored for enriching the lives of others through her humanitarian outreach with the nonprofit Feed the Children and the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx,

Gambian-born Jobertha was recognized for her boundary-breaking role in Gambian music as well as for her work as an educator and activist.