Proud son shares photo of parents who graduated college together

Source: Charles Cole, III

A man from Northern California shared a photo on social media of his parents who graduated from college on the same day.

Proud son Charles Cole III posted the image on Twitter and Instagram writing, "My parents went back to college together and they graduated today. Together. #salute"

The image has since gone viral with thousands of re-tweets and likes thanks to the story behind it.

Cole's parents, Charles Cole Jr. and Renate, graduated from Sacramento Theological Seminary with degrees in Biblical Studies earlier this month.

Cole says he and his family moved around a lot when he was growing up and they were homeless for stretches of time as his parents struggled with drug addiction. 

They eventually got sober and were inspired to go to college by their son.

The younger Cole is an educator focused on the advancement of all youth of color, specifically black males.

He says his passion comes from his own experience growing up-- he went to 11 different elementary schools and didn't have proper support.

He says he used his background to become determined and to focus on his education.

Cole III earned his bachelor's degree from Cal State, East Bay and then a masters from San Francisco State University. He is currently working towards his doctorate.

Cole III says his parents hope to become ministers.

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