Obama encourages new graduates to embrace unity in commencement speech
Former President Barack Obama on Saturday encouraged 2020 high school graduates to embrace unity to solve the world’s problems amid the coronavirus pandemic.During a virtual commencement spee…
thehill.com
Former President
Barack Obama on Saturday encouraged 2020 high school graduates to embrace unity to solve the world's problems amid the coronavirus pandemic.
During a virtual commencement speech to American's high school seniors, the former president offered "three
quick pieces of advice" to take advantage of the power that rests in young people's hands for the future.
"First," Obama said, "Don't be afraid. America's gone through tough times before — slavery, civil war, famine, disease, The Great Depression and 9/11."
"And each time, we came out stronger," he continued.
Congrats to the high school Class of 2020, as well as to the teachers, coaches, and most of all, parents and family who’ve guided you along the way. Thanks for letting me be part of your big day!
pic.twitter.com/RjYvHs2BhC
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama)
May 17, 2020
Obama added, "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 grown-ups, including some with fancy titles and important jobs, still think that way — which is why things are so screwed up," he continued, in an apparent jab to the Trump administration's response to the pandemic.
Thirdly, the former president encouraged young adults to come together and build a community.
"No one does things by themselves," said Obama. "Right now when people are scared, it's easy to be cynical and say, 'Let me just look out for myself, or my family, or people who look or think or pray like me.' But if we are going to get through these difficult times ; if we are going to create a world where everybody has opportunity to find a job, and afford college; if we're going to save the environment and defeat future pandemics, then we're gonna have to do it together."
The message from the Democratic former president comes just hours after Obama addressed college graduates from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
During his speech, Obama pointed to racial disparities that have been underscored during the coronavirus pandemic and alluded to the shooting of 25-year-old jogger Ahmaud Arbery.
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