Tag Archives: commencement

Barack Obama Slams Trump’s Response to COVID-19 in Uniting Virtual HBCU Commencement Speech

Barack Obama Slams Trump's Response to COVID-19 in Uniting Virtual HBCU Commencement Speech

Barack Obama delivered two virtual commencement speeches on Saturday, and it was exactly what we all needed.

The speeches were addressed to High School and college graduates of 2020 who were robbed of their once in a lifetime opportunity to walk across the stage due to the coronavirus.

“These aren’t normal times. You’re being asked to find your way in a world during a devastating pandemic,” Obama said to HBCUs. “A disease like this just spotlights the inequalities and extra burdens that Black communities have historically had to deal with in this country.”

Eight minutes into the speech Obama slammed the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing,” he continued. “A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge.”

The speech was intended for graduating but we can all agree as a nation that he was spittin’! “As young African Americans, you’ve been exposed, earlier than some, to the world as it is,” he said. “But as young HBCU grads, your education has also shown you the world as it ought to be.”

The post Barack Obama Slams Trump’s Response to COVID-19 in Uniting Virtual HBCU Commencement Speech appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

Kevin Hart to Host, Barack Obama, Chris Paul, Debbie Allen to Appear at ‘Show Me Your Walk HBCU’ Virtual Commencement

On Saturday (May 16), 78 Historically Black Colleges and Universities will combine in a celebration of the Class of 2020. The honor will celebrate 27,000 students for their graduation, moving around a hurdle placed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Show Me Your Walk HBCU Edition commencement event presented by Chase will have a special message by Former President Barack Obama and is hosted by Kevin hart. Additional appearances will include Debbie Allen, Steve Harvey, Chris Paul, Wyclef Jean, Chase Consumer Banking CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett, Vivica Fox, Vince Carter. Also on hand will be Ariel Investments Co-CEO and President Mellody Hobson, National Urban League president, Marc Morial, and HBCU academic leaders.

“Every student graduating in the Class of 2020 deserves to celebrate this moment—they earned it, even more so during a challenging year for our country and the world. We are showing up for them because we recognize they are our now and our future, and the way forward is full of opportunity,” said Duckett.

Performances will include a drumline mash-up featuring Doug E. Fresh, Anthony Hamilton, Wyclef Jean, Omari Hardwick and other musical guests.

The idea for the commencement came from Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College (PQC) and member of the ABP Advisory Council. Additional organizers for the event include Howard University, The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“As a result of COVID-19, our students have been robbed of a moment that they and their families have earned,” Sorrell said. “I am so grateful that this coalition of partners stepped up to answer the call of the HBCU community and stand in the gap for our students and their families.”

JPMorgan Chase is supporting “Show Me Your Walk HBCU Edition” through its Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) initiative, created to help black communities close historical achievement gaps in three key areas: wealth creation, educational outcomes and career success.

The post Kevin Hart to Host, Barack Obama, Chris Paul, Debbie Allen to Appear at ‘Show Me Your Walk HBCU’ Virtual Commencement appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love
             
 
   

The Obamas Are Set to Headline Virtual Commencement Celebrations

The Obamas are set to deliver a message to the Class of 2020 for the nation’s High School seniors in a special called Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.

The special will air on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC on May 16, at 8 pm ET/PT/7 pm CT.

The virtual event is hosted by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation and they’re aiming to bring a joyful experience to those who were hoping to walk across the stage. Among those joining the Obamas are LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai, the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe, H.E.R., Ben Platt, and more.

Barack and Michelle Obama will also headline a YouTube Originals special, Dear Class of 2020. This virtual event is a celebration for graduates worldwide. BTS and Lady Gaga will also speak, with special appearances by Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, Chloe x Halle and Zendaya, and others.

“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube is lending some inspiration in the form of a virtual commencement,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Content for YouTube. “We hope bringing together noteworthy, influential speakers along with performances from some of their favorite artists will provide encouragement for the students who have worked so hard to get here.”

They don’t always come when we call, but the Obamas always come on time. Barack shared how much he loves joining commencements in the Instagram post below. “I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones.”

Michelle followed up with a tear-jerking post expressing her sympathy for the Class of 2020.

The post The Obamas Are Set to Headline Virtual Commencement Celebrations appeared first on The Source.

Click Here to Discuss in the Forums

Spread the love