As the world continues to fight the power, Jhené Aiko took a brief break from protesting injustice to celebrate her daughter’s recent accomplishments. Jhené went to Instagram to share photos of 11-year-old Namiko Browner, a child that the singer shares with O’Ryan Browner, brother to Omarion. “My baby graduated from the 6th grade today ? Congratulations Nami Love ❤️,” Jhené Aiko penned in the caption to a baby photo of Namiko.

We’ve watched as thousands of schools have curbed their graduation ceremonies for students due to COVID-19. The pandemic’s at-home orders may be lifted soon, but the Class of 2020 still missed out on celebrating their big days with alongside their friends in-person. It looks as if Namiko still had a wonderful day with her family, and we’re sure that once it’s safer, the pre-teen will celebrate in style.

“Congratulations Namiko and everyone else who is graduating ? never ever stop learning!! continue to evolve and grow!! you are essential!!” Jhené Aiko wrote. “Don’t you ever let anyone or anything make you think otherwise??i am inspired and so proud of all of you ? Congratulations class of 2020 !! ?????? (Namiko had her from 6th grade CULMINATION today… her school was Kindergarten through 6th grade, meaning she’s on her way to middle school ?).” Check it out below.

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.

Beyoncé used her speech during Barack and Michelle Obama’s “Dear Class of 2020” YouTube virtual graduation ceremony to address protesters, sexism in the music industry, and more.

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After thanking the Obama’s for the platform and congratulating the graduating class of 2020, Beyoncé spoke about the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Abery, and Bronna Talyor: “Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the worlds know that black lives matter,” she said. “The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others have left us all broken. It has left the entire country searching for answers. We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today.”

From there, Beyoncé discussed the role of women in the entertainment industry: “The entertainment business is still very sexist,” she explained. “It’s still very male-dominated and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to what I knew I had to do. To run my label and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours, that meant ownership—owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future, and writing my own story. Not enough black women had a seat at the table. So I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table. Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlook and waiting to be seen.”

Check out the rest of Beyoncé’s speech below.

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Gianna Bryant and her father Kobe were tragically killed in a helicopter accident on January 26th in California. It’s a tragic event that still hurts the basketball world, to this day. Both individuals were taken way too soon and it’s a shame we will never get to see either of them explore their full potential as humans.

Over the past few months, the entire world has come together to honor the Bryant’s, including Vanessa Bryant who has been at the forefront of many of these tributes. Whenever she has the chance, Vanessa takes to Instagram and remembers the lives of her husband and daughter. Yesterday, that is exactly what she did as it would have marked Gigi’s eighth-grade graduation. Vanessa marked this milestone with a touching message.

“Congratulations on your 8th grade graduation Gigi. I love you forever and always. I’m so proud of you,” Vanessa wrote. These messages have been a stark reminder of the tragedy that occurred although it’s wonderful to see Gigi and Kobe’s lives remembered in such a beautiful way.

In about a month from now, NBA players will start heading back to the court to play out the rest of the season and we can imagine that the remaining games will be dedicated to Kobe and Gigi’s honor.

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed students at Texas Tech during the school's virtual commencement ceremony, Saturday. 

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"I know this isn't the graduation ceremony that you and your families had envisioned, but that doesn't change the outcome or all the hard work, long hours and sacrifices that you made to achieve this milestone,'' Mahomes said.

The Superbowl MVP spoke for a total of two minutes.

"But the world is in a different place today than it was just a few weeks ago," he continued. "And as Red Raiders, we're built to persevere in difficult times. We've all had to take a moment and learn to adjust to these new challenges. And when the odds are stacked against us, we make a play -- and I can tell you this is going to make us all more competitive and hungrier than ever.

"Remember, this is a day to celebrate, to look back on the friends you made, the professors who have changed your life, and the memories that you will cherish forever. Whatever plans lie in front of you, I have no doubt you will go out there and show the world what it means to come from Lubbock, Texas. Go out and win your Super Bowl. Congrats, Class of 2020. I can't wait to see what you do next."

Mahomes played quarterback for Texas Tech from 2014 through 2016.

LeBron James, Barack Obama, and more came together for Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, Saturday night, honoring graduating seniors across the country.

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“You should’ve had a real graduation, I know. You should’ve had an incredible senior year, I know that as well. But you made a sacrifice, and you did it to keep your community safe and healthy,” James told graduates. “On behalf of all us, thank you!”

Obama also joined in, preparing students for the real world. Here is an expert from his speech:

Now, graduating is a big achievement under any circumstances. Some of you have had to overcome serious obstacles along the way. Whether it was an illness, or a parent losing a job, or living in a neighborhood where people too often count you out. Along with the usual challenges of growing up, all of you have had to deal with the added pressures of social media, reports of school shootings, and the specter of climate change. And then, just as you’re about to celebrate having made it through, just as you’ve been looking forward to proms and senior nights, graduation ceremonies, and — let’s face it — a whole bunch of parties, the world has turned upside down by a global pandemic. And as much as I’m sure you love your parents, I’ll bet that being stuck at home with them and playing board games or watching Tiger King on TV is not exactly how you envisioned the last few months of your senior year.

…

Second, do what you think is right. Doing what feels good — what’s convenient, what’s easy — that’s how little kids think. Unfortunately a lot of so-called grownups — including some with fancy titles and important jobs — still think that way, which is why things are so screwed up. I hope that instead, you decide to ground yourself in values that last. Like honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity, respect for others. You won’t get it right every time, you’ll make mistakes like we all do. But if you listen to the truth that’s inside yourself — even when it’s hard, even when it’s inconvenient — people will notice. They’ll gravitate towards you, and you’ll be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

Other speakers included Gal Gadot, Alex Rodriguez and more. Check out more highlights from the night here.

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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will give a commencement address at Texas Tech’s virtual graduation ceremony on May 23.

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“Patrick’s story and his rise to stardom, both here at Texas Tech and in the NFL, have been a great source of pride for Red Raiders and an inspiration for thousands,” Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said, according to ESPN.

Mahomes played quarterback at Texas Tech from 2014 through 2016. He then entered the NFL draft in 2017, being selected in the first round by the Chiefs. Mahomes won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2018 and won the Super Bowl in 2019.

“During that rise, Patrick has never wavered from the lessons learned from his family, coaches and his time as a student-athlete at Texas Tech, displaying class, humility and a competitive fire to be the best,” Schovanec continued. “We are very pleased and grateful that he will address our May 2020 graduates who have persevered in spite of unique challenges to earn their degrees.”

The event, which would regularly be held at the school’s basketball court, was moved online because of the coronavirus outbreak. Mahomes’ speech will be live-streamed for fans to watch.

In April, the Chiefs picked up the fifth-year option on Mahomes’ contract.

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Pharrell Williams dropped by webcam to the virtual graduation ceremony for Norfolk State University, an HBCU in his hometown of Virginia, to give a surprise commencement speech to all the graduates. On Saturday, (May 10th), NSU unfortunately had no choice but to conduct their ceremony virtually as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but one VA native did what he could to raise the graduates’ spirits by offering them some inspiring words in these troubling times.

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“Even if this is not the norm, you guys and girls still deserve all the praise,” Pharrell said in his speech. “You stuck it through, you made it and today’s your day.” He also explained his close connection to the university, despite never having attended. He revealed that the the NSU marching band, known as the Spartan Legion, actually inspired him to learn how to play instruments and make music when he was younger. He even invited the Spartan Legion to play at his Something In the Water festival this year, before it was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. “That would’ve been like closing my eyes and really actually seeing my childhood dreams come full circle,” he said about the band performing at his festival.

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The surprise definitely helped brighten everyone’s day, as one graduate by the name of Patsy Douglas told CNN, “His message inspired me to keep going and striving for the highest regardless of the circumstances. His words and affirmation to the class of 2020 will be forever carried in all of our hearts.” Watch Pharrell’s full NSU commencement speech below:

Actor Ryan Reynolds is gifting graduating students from his Alma Mater, Kitsilano Secondary School, a free large pizza from his favorite local restaurant.

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Reynolds mentioned the gift during his commencement speech for the school’s virtual graduation.

“To this day I’m still friends with so many people I graduated with. So that says something. I’m probably not going to drop any mics here … but I can pass on this little chestnut of wisdom,” he said.”Some of you may consider me successful. I don’t know, some of you may have seen Green Lantern,” he quipped, before adding, “but I’ll tell you this — empathy has gotten me so much farther in not only in my life but in my career.” Reynolds assured that having empathy is “just about the most radical act of ambition that you can ever demonstrate.”

“To my surprise, [empathy] has made me money, friends, priceless memories. It’s allowed me to fully accept and provide love. It’s helped me recognize the mistakes I’ve made and learn from them. And above all, it made me happy. And it’s something I’ll probably be working on my whole life,” he added.

By the end of the video, he shouts out Nat’s Pizzeria and says, “every grad gets one large pizza on me.”

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Beloved Actor Tom Hanks surprised students at Wright State University by giving a Commencement Speech at the school's virtual graduation.

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"You are the chosen ones because of a fate unimagined when you began your Wright State adventures,” the Hollywood legend said. “You started in the olden times, in a world back before the Great Pandemic of 2020. You will talk of those earlier years in your lives in just that way."

"Part of your lives will forever be identified as 'before,' in the same way other generations tell time like 'that was before the war, or 'that was before the internet,' or 'that was before Beyoncé.' The word 'before' is going to carry great weight with you," he added.

"You’ve gone from student to graduate with more that is expected of you than to just be an American. You’ve had to be responsible Americans. You’ve had to be good Americans. Good Americans that have made sacrifices that have saved lives.

"You will be enlightened in ways your degree never held in promise," Hanks said. "You will have made it through a time of great sacrifice and great need. No one will be more fresh to the task of restarting our normalcy than you — our chosen ones."

Hanks, 63, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year.