Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, students around the world have had to alter their graduation plans this year. Instead of holding a big ceremony with family and friends cheering on students as they walk across the stage and accept their diplomas, a virtual gathering was held with star-studded speeches and performances.
Beyoncé, Barack Obama, Lady Gaga, BTS, and more were all present to deliver wise words to the graduating class of 2020, contributing to the "Dear Class of 2020" event. Megan Thee Stallion is also being celebrated for her high-energy performance, which also doubled as a tour of her home.
One moment, in particular, is being praised as "epic" when the Stallion performed her break-out hit "Big Ole Freak" before jumping into the splits on her couch and twerking for the camera.
"I know Megan did not just jump into a split on di couch and bounce with it," wrote one graduating student in pure disbelief.
During her performance, Megan sang her #1 hit "Savage," "Cash Shit," "Hot Girl Summer," "Captain Hook," and more.
While this was not one of the most inspiring moments of the live-stream -- that goes to either Queen Bey or the Obamas -- this was certainly one of the more entertaining performances of the night.
Cardi B, Oprah, & More Honour 2020 Graduates In Virtual Ceremony
Cardi B, Oprah Winfrey, DJ Khaled, and more celebrated the graduating class of 2020 in a virtual ceremony this weekend.
Oprah Winfrey, Cardi B, DJ Khaled, and so many more celebrities came together to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a virtual graduation ceremony on Friday (May 15th). The virtual event, titled #Graduation2020, was held in honour of all the graduates who were unable to have a proper commencement as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Hosted by Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak in collaboration with Facebook and Instagram, #Graduation2020 featured a myriad of stars offering inspiring words to all the graduates, including the expert herself, Oprah, giving the official commencement speech.
“Hello everyone,” Oprah began. “I know you may not feel like it, but you are, indeed, the chosen class for such a time as this, the Class of 2020. You’re also a united class, the pandemic class, that has the entire world striving to graduate with you. Of course, this is not the graduating ceremony you envisioned. You’ve been dreaming about that walk across the stage with your family and friends cheering you on, the caps flung joyously in the air. But even though there may not be pomp because of our circumstances, never has a graduating class been called to step into the future with more purpose, vision, passion, energy, and hope. Your graduation ceremony is taking place with so many luminaries celebrating you on the world’s Facebook stage, and I’m just honoured to join them and salute you.”
“I just want to say congrats to all my high school and to all my college graduates,” Cardi said in her own speech. “Congrats congrats congrats! And don’t let no coronavirus, no nothing, take this special moment from you…It’s more than a diploma, it’s more than graduation, it’s knowledge, it’s knowing that…you went through those hard nights, studying….Now you’re about to start your life, you’re about to make some money, you’re about to show your skills on what you worked for!”
Watch the full virtual ceremony below:
Lauryn Hill Pens Inspirational Message For Temple University 2020 Graduates
Lauryn Hill motivated Temple University’s Class of 2020 by writing a letter to inspire them to reach their greatest potentials.
We may not hear much from Lauryn Hill, but the music icon has emerged to deliver a motivational message to the graduates of Temple University. The COVID-19 pandemic has curbed public graduations for millions of students who had hopes of walking across stages to celebrate their accomplishments. With the “Stay Home” order in place, large public gatherings have been nixed in many places worldwide. Celebrities have given words of encouragement from the comforts of their homes to students who have to miss their proms or had their graduations canceled, including Lauryn Hill who wrote a moving piece to Temple University graduates.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff / Getty Images
“I know this message finds you in the unique and unprecedented circumstance of a graduation ceremony held remotely, but for the safety of you and your families consider this the beginning of a significant story you’ll have to share with those that follow you,” the award-winning singer wrote. “For this time is indeed historic, and if we’re paying attention, pregnant with purpose. Purpose is powerful. The work one puts his or her hands to with purpose attached, becomes charged, activated and often deeply meaningful. Purpose-filled acts can change lives, move communities and alter the course of history.”
She also told them that in this time, what we need are young people to fulfill acts of “kindness,” “courage,” and “responsibility.” Lauryn Hill added, “The world desperately needs youthful optimism and people prepared to help lead and guide its course with wisdom and informed perspective. Make no mistake, our times aren’t easy, but they aren’t impossible to alter and positively affect either.”
“Extend gratitude to your families, and to the faculty and administrators who assisted in the development of your full-of-potential young minds. You’ve grown from promising students into mature, more-than-capable young adults ready to accomplish incredible goals in your respective fields and beyond. We celebrate you.” You can read Lauryn’s letter in full here.
