Hartford Seminary awarded diplomas to 64 graduates on Friday and heard a stirring address from U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Rep. Ellison, a Democrat, represents Minnesota’s 5th District, which includes Minneapolis and is one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the state.

Rep. Ellison began his address by talking about a hypothetical couple in America. “They haven’t seen a raise in a long time,” he said. “They’re wondering, are we going to be able to pay the rent or the mortgage.”