One can’t have enough of the Obamas. As POTUS and FLOTUS, Barack and Michelle Obama were the epitome of dignity, grace, and elegance. And they have carried those traits even after leaving office.
Now, the former President and the First Lady will participate in a YouTube special called ‘Dear Class of 2020,’ an online virtual commencement celebration for graduates from university and high school. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person graduation ceremonies at most universities have been cancelled or postponed.
The event, to be held on 6th June 2020, will also see addresses by singer and performer Lady Gaga, CEO of Alphabet Sundar Pichai, child and human rights activist Malala Yousufzai, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
This event comes after a slew of requests that the Obamas received from various graduating students asking for some motivation from the former President of the United States. In April 2020, the hashtag #ObamaCommencement2020 went viral after a California high school senior Lincoln Debenham tweeted to Obama requesting for a national commencement speech.
The former President shared the news on his social media account, tweeting “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/ngR2ykx3A2
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 5, 2020
Meanwhile, Michelle Obama also confirmed the event.
I know how hard the #Classof2020 has worked to make it to graduation, so @BarackObama and I want to give you the celebration you deserve. That’s why @ReachHigher and I are teaming up with @Youtube to host a virtual graduation on June 6! RSVP at https://t.co/TPcaSy43B8. pic.twitter.com/glLadzlZux
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 5, 2020
Apart from this, Barack Obama will also deliver an address to honor graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Moreover, he will speak with students at the “Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020” event on May 16th, which is hosted by the XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation and The Entertainment Industry Foundation. The event will be aired on major broadcast networks and social media channels.
Barack Obama is one of the most eloquent and articulate statesmen of all time and we can’t wait to hear him inspire these new graduates in these exceedingly tough times.
How about you? Are you excited to hear the former POTUS speak? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
