On Sunday (May 19), President Joe Biden gave a highly anticipated commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Many speculated that the students at the ceremony would stage pro-Palestine protests...and that’s exactly what happened.
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More than 400 students graduated Sunday; during Biden’s speech, several of them — some wearing keffiyehs — turned their chairs around to face away from Biden because of policy decisions in Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Justbefore Biden went on stage for his address, Morehouse valedictorian DeAngelo Fletcher called for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip” during his address.
“From the comfort of our homes, we watch an unprecedented number of civilians mourn the loss of men, women and children, while calling for the release of all hostages,” Fletcher said. His words were met with applause from the audience as well as Biden, who also shook Fletcher’s hand.
The president acknowledged the students protesting during his speech. “Let me be clear: I support peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard, and I promise I hear them,” he stated. In addition, Biden stated that he is “working around the clock” for an immediate ceasefire.
He also explained how his administration is working to support Black Americans.
“Instead of forcing you to prove you’re 10 times better, we’re breaking down doors so you have 100 times more opportunities — good-paying jobs you can raise a family on in your neighborhood, capital to start small businesses, loans to buy homes, health insurance, prescription drugs, housing that’s more affordable,” Biden said.
With the general election happening in November, Biden’s speech was saturated with religious themes of adversity and resilience but served as a warning about what could happen to Black folks if Trump is elected.
“They don’t see you in the future of America, but they’re wrong,” Biden said. “To me, we make history, not erase it. We know Black history is American history.”
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