In a recent commencement speech for HBCU's, Barack congratulated all of the new graduates as they emerge out of college victorious. Obama went through an array of timely topics from the rivalries that would've occurred between schools had the pandemic not struck as well as the recent murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
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"These aren’t normal times. You’re being asked to find your way in a world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and a terrible recession. The timing is not ideal," Obama said. "And let’s be honest — a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog, and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning."
Obama acknowledged that "injustice like this isn't new" but he did explain the silver lining in the situation. "What is new is that so much of your generation has woken up to the fact that the status quo needs fixing," Obama added. "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. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge."
Peep the full clip below.
Barack Obama Talks COVID-19, Ahmaud Arbery & More In HBCU Commencement Address
Barack Obama spoke about the COVID-19 outbreak, Ahmaud Arbery, and more during his virtual commencement address, Saturday.
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The former president also went on to reference the killing of Ahmaud Arbery saying, "Just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn't submit to their questioning. Injustice like this isn't new."
"No generation has been better positioned to be warriors for justice and remake the world," Obama told students. "Your participation in this democracy, your courage to stand up for what's right, your willingness to forge coalitions, these actions will speak volumes. And if you're inactive, that will also speak volumes."
Check out the commencement address for yourself here.
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Pharrell Williams Surprises NSU Graduates At Virtual Ceremony
Pharrell Williams gave a surprise commencement speech at Norfolk State University’s virtual graduation ceremony this weekend.
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:
