During graduation season, various speakers shared memorable messages to graduates. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld advised graduates to 'Bust your ass. Pay attention. And fall in love.' Astronaut Zena Cardman encouraged graduates to stay present and think about what's right in front of them. Chemist David MacMillan advised graduates to learn from others, follow their own path, and laugh every day. Mandy Cohen urged graduates to see people, seek understanding, and embrace the motto 'Pro Humanitate.' Filmmaker Ken Burns spoke about the need to move away from binary reactions and embrace unity. He also made a political statement, saying there is no real choice in the upcoming election and that the presumptive Republican nominee is the 'opioid of all opioids' [660c9537].
President Joe Biden delivered the commencement address at Morehouse College, challenging over 400 graduates to fight for freedom and democracy against the forces of divisiveness threatening America. He expressed his support for peaceful non-violent protests and defended his administration's policies towards the Middle Eastern conflict. Biden called for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution, emphasizing the importance of peace in the region. He acknowledged the anguish American college students are feeling over the Israel-Hamas war and stated that scenes from the conflict in Gaza also break his heart [d2bb7dce].
Biden's speech at Morehouse College is part of his outreach to Black constituents, as his support among these voters has softened since his election. The protests over the war have caused disruptions on college campuses, with Columbia University canceling its main commencement ceremony. At Morehouse, there was some backlash among faculty and alumni who oppose Biden's handling of the war. However, there were no disruptions during the commencement, although some graduates and one faculty member turned their backs during Biden's address and a student draped himself in a Palestinian flag. Valedictorian DeAngelo Jeremiah Fletcher called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip [d2bb7dce].
Biden awarded an honorary doctorate by Morehouse College, making him the third U.S. President to receive this honor from the college. He later traveled to Detroit to address the local NAACP chapter's annual Freedom Fund dinner [d2bb7dce].
Republicans criticized the administration's record with Black America, highlighting areas where they believe more progress is needed. They argue that Biden's policies have not done enough to address the concerns and needs of Black Americans. However, Biden listed his administration's accomplishments aimed at improving the lives of Black Americans, including addressing racial disparities in healthcare, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunities [94695c5e].
Late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel imagines what Donald Trump may have said at his son Barron's high school graduation. Trump was granted permission to attend the event by Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing Trump's hush money trial. Kimmel's team edited together some of Trump's 'most inspirational moments' for a wild address that ended with his declaration: 'The American Dream is dead' [e5420167].
President Biden's speech at Morehouse College has drawn criticism from Lawrence Kudlow, who wrote an analysis for The New York Sun. Kudlow argues that Biden's speech was condescending and focused too much on issues like white supremacy and systemic racism, which he believes no longer exist in the same way they did during the Jim Crow era. Kudlow highlights the economic achievements of Black Americans, including the average starting salary for Morehouse graduates being 12 percent higher than the national average and the unemployment rate for Black men reaching a 50-year low under President Trump. Kudlow suggests that Biden's focus on racism and white supremacy may not improve his standing with Black voters [26f646e8].
President Biden will deliver the commencement speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday. The speech is part of Biden's efforts to highlight the administration's support for active and retired military personnel. Biden will also participate in Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday and travel to Normandy, France, a week later to participate in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. As president, this will be the first time Biden addresses a graduating class of cadets at West Point. Protests are unlikely at the military academy, which was founded in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson. In the 2020 election, Biden won 44% of voters who said they served in the military, according to data from NBC News [cacffd6e].