), And Im also a little giddy to be joined on stage by another one of my heroes, Marian Wright Edelman. But that experience gave me a kind of clarity with everything and pieces around me, I had to forge a new path. So if youre spending a lot of time, just hashtaging and posting right now thats useful, especially during a pandemic, but its only a beginning. You have to persuade them, and you have to compromise with them. I am feeling all of that too. (Applause. (Applause.) (Applause.). ), And of course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her amazing performance of the National Anthem earlier today. I love you all. And I think this was the perfect place to be, because this is my last chance to share my love and admiration, and hopefully a little bit of wisdom with a graduating class. Well done! If anybody is wondering about the quality of education, just listening to those two speakers lets you know whats happening here. But, graduates, no matter where your journey started, you have all made it here today through the same combination of unyielding determination, sacrifice, and a whole lot of hard work - commuting hours each day to class, some of you. These are just four of the nearly 4,000 unique and amazing stories in this graduating class - stories that have converged here at City College, this dynamic, inclusive place where you all have had the chance to really get to know each other, to listen to each others languages, to enjoy each others food -- lasagna, obviously -- (laughter) -- music, and holidays. What kind of person do you want to be? So they took advantage of whatever resources they had in their own time, thundering from the pulpit and the convention floor, penning letters from a jail cell, standing up for their rights in the face of police violence. The two-hour event, "Show Me Your. It starts where change always starts in your own home, in your own social circles, in your own neighborhoods, at your own dinner tables. (Laughter.) 1. And so many of those folks, for them, this school was the gateway to actually realizing that opportunity in their lives, founded on the fundamental truth that talent and ambition know no distinctions of race, nationality, wealth, or fame, and dedicated to the ideals that our Founding Fathers put forth more than two centuries ago: That we are all created equal, all entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. City College became a haven for brilliant, motivated students of every background, a place where they didnt have to hide their last names or their accents, or put on any kind of airs because the students at this school were selected based not on pedigree, but on merit, and merit alone. Thats whats always happened here at Tuskegee. And no matter what path you choose, I want you to make sure its you choosing it, and not someone else. Michelle Obama's commencement address at Bowie State) We see whats happening in stark relief. Traitors to their cause? (Video . So Id say that debate was pretty polarized, wouldnt you? But I also want to be very clear that with those successes comes a set of obligations - to share the lessons youve learned here at this school. Every elected official who represents you, from dog catcher all the way to President of the United Statesthey are your concern. First lady Michelle Obama gave a commencement speech at Tuskegee University's graduation ceremony Saturday in which she discussed the school's importance in African American history . Youll take part in that never-failing miracle of progress. In her last commencement speech as first lady, at City College of New York in 2016, Obama said, "Our greatness has never, ever come from sitting back . No, no, I had my share of bumps along the way. And, graduates, you all have faced challenges far greater than anything I or my family have ever experienced, challenges that most college students could never even imagine. Sometimes its easy to stand with strangers that are protests than it is to challenge someone in your own backyard. What Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the Santa Fe Indian School says about the importance of self-determination in education. In fact, I sometimes have that instinct myselfrun! You deserve this celebration. I understand he was such a talented young man, a promising aerospace engineer who was well on his way to achieving his dream of following in the footsteps of the Tuskegee Airmen. And now, graduates, its your turn to take up that cause. And you look good. The founders of this school didnt just decide to admit women and African American students and then pat themselves on the back and say job well done. No, even in those early days, folks here at Oberlin were attending anti-slavery meetings, shivering on rough wooden benches in unheated, unfinished buildings. And when he was up in the sky, Charles sometimes looked down to see black folks out in the cotton fields not far from here -- the same fields where decades before, their ancestors as slaves. You have developed that muscle. And even here at Oberlin, most of the time youre probably surrounded by folks who share your beliefs. It can feel isolating. MRS. OBAMA: Well, thank you. Just one. Just take the example of the great American lyricist, Ira Gershwin, who attended City College a century ago. Lets let our graduates rest themselves. But youve also got to elect good people to your school board and state legislature, because they decide whether you have the resources you need to inspire and empower your students. So many kids need you. That is how you will have a meaningful journey on those clamorous highways of life. Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. Michelle Obama kicked off her "Dear Class of 2020" graduation speech with a list of uncomfortable questions and truths. Michelle Obama: (04:56) They were joining the Equal Suffrage League and speaking out for womens right to vote. (Laughter.) And most of all, youve got yourselves -- and all of the heart, and grit, and smarts that got you to this day. So we thought we'd take a look at some of the best celebrity commencement speeches that aren't just - believe it or not - 1) monosyllabic words 2) comments about the size of the crowd or 3) attacks against the press and "pathetic" haters. Congratulations again on your graduation. So on behalf of your students, I just want to show you all some love today, as well. The extraordinary challenges of COVID-19 called for creative planning to send off graduates in a meaningful way. (Applause.) They sat down with leaders they disagreed with because they knew that if they wanted their vision to be made real, it needed to be made law. I can tell you that our democracy is sturdy and yes, it still works, but it doesnt work if you silence yourselves. (Applause.) King's Arkansas speech came a year after federal troops protected nine black students attending all-white Little Rock Central High School. (Applause.). Or when they opened your eyes to an injustice you never knew existed. Today, you can volunteer at an after-school program or food pantry. Now, I dont know whether your President knows what I was going to say today, but I know that he had some kind words for you all about this issue. And your salutatorian, whose Yemeni roots inspired her to study Yemini womens writing and to advocate for girls in her community, urging them to find their own voices, to tell their own stories. Graduates, you all are exactly what we need right now and for the years and decades to come, youre learning so much so quickly. Look at who you are. What inspires you? Its folks all across the country who for too long have had the luxury and privilege of looking away. May 11, 2015. (Applause.) But, graduates, let me tell you, you should never, ever be embarrassed by those struggles. (Applause.). Graduates this is how you can finish the work that the generations before you have started, by staying open and hopeful, even in the tough times. (Applause.) So if you hear people expressing bigoted views or talking down to those people, it is up to you to call them out because we wont solve anything. One said I exhibited a little bit of uppity-ism. Another noted that I was one of my husbands cronies of color. Cable news once charmingly referred to me as Obamas Baby Mama.. And then I want you to take a deep breath and trust yourselves to chart your own course and make your mark on the world. Youll have unreasonable bosses and difficult clients and patients. Because I know that there is no better way to celebrate this great country than being here with you. Thank you all. ), Back then, black soldiers faced all kinds of obstacles. Instead, its important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages. See, that blue-collar job helped to pay the small portion of my college tuition that wasnt covered by loans or grants or my work-study or my summer jobs. ), Before I begin, I just want to say that my heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Eric Marks, Jr. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. Michelle Obama: The story of our families. Every time we look at our phones or hear helicopters circling our neighborhoods. City College of New York So its up to you to speak up when you or someone, you know isnt being heard, its up to you to speak out against cruelty, dishonesty, bigotry, all of it. (Applause.). Yeah! (Applause.) (Laughter and applause.) Oberlin has separate application processes for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. They answered your late-night phone calls even when you were just calling for money. Well done. This is it. Graduates, today -- today, you can mentor a young person and make sure he or she takes the right path. ), I should be here today. Make sure the folks who represent you share your values and aspirations. You got to be at the table. (Applause.) For those of you who feel invisible, please know that your story matters, your ideas matter, your experiences matter, your vision for what our world can and should be matters. Michelle Obama as well baby mamma. Well done. These are the folks who pushed you and supported you. People screamed at her. So Booker T. Washington pawned his pocket watch to buy a kiln, and students used their bare hands to make bricks to build that dorm -- and a few other buildings along the way. Because it is absolutely still possible to make a difference. As he mentioned, my office did this wonderful competition to highlight colleges that are helping underserved young people graduate from high school and then go on to higher education. And, graduates, with a degree from this amazing school, and all the status and connections that degree confers, you dont get to have no hands. Read the full transcript of her video message here. Recently . (Applause.). Former President Barack Obama gave the virtual commencement address at a ceremony for graduates of historically black colleges and universities on Saturday. So while the Airmen selected for this program were actually highly educated -- many already had college degrees and pilots licenses -- they were presumed to be inferior. And just think about the students in this very graduating class - students like the economics and pre-law major from Albania, who also completed the requirements for a philosophy major and dreams of being a public intellectual. (Applause.) Mike Judge on crooked paths UCSD Commencement 2009: Mike Judge It didnt change who I was. Okay, youre bright. I want you to ask those basic questions: Who do you want to be? -- Below is the full text of Michelle Obama 's speech to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25, 2016. Obama spoke . For others, it was the notion that Obama's speech, tied to the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. . I want you to be safe and I cant wait to see you take the reins. Many suffered verbal abuse at the hands of their instructors. Back in those days, I had a lot of sleepless nights, worrying about what people thought of me, wondering if I might be hurting my husbands chances of winning his election, fearing how my girls would feel if they found out what some people were saying about their mom. And here in America, we dont give in to our fears. A few years later, when George Washington Carver first came here for his research, there was no laboratory. What kinds of issues would I take on? She urged the 493 members of the school's first full graduating class to give back to their communities: Thats just the way the process works. They are smart enough to see through that noise, and they are so hungry for voices that rise above itsmart, compassionate, thoughtful voices like yours. (Applause. And those feelings are playing out in communities like Baltimore and Ferguson and so many others across this country. Love you all. Get a weekly digest of the weeks most important transcripts in your inbox. Better yet, run for office yourself. Weve both felt the sting of those daily slights throughout our entire lives -- the folks who crossed the street in fear of their safety; the clerks who kept a close eye on us in all those department stores; the people at formal events who assumed we were the help-- and those who have questioned our intelligence, our honesty, even our love of this country. Ive seen your creativity and your talent and your resourcefulness. Instead they will make assumptions about who they think you are based on their limited notion of the world. It means adding your voice to our national conversation, speaking out for our most cherished values of liberty, opportunity, inclusion, and respect - the values that youve been living here at this school. Michelle Obama: ( 00:07) Hey everybody. So for me, being Mom-in-Chief is, and always will be, job number one. (Laughter.). (Laughter.). And while neither of my parents went past high school, let me tell you, they saved up every penny that my dad earned at his city job because they were determined to send me to college. Michelle Obama: (09:57) I struggled to find the right words of wisdom for you today. That is not what this country stands for. It is an honor to be here with you to help celebrate this amazing milestone in your lives. (Laughter and applause.) And Im here because of all of you. (Applause.) But I also hope you will knock on doors and make some calls to elect a President who shares your values. And today, it is no longer remarkable to see two beautiful black girls walking their dogs on the South Lawn of the White House lawn. I cant wait to see what you all achieve in the years ahead. Michelle obama speech transcript 2020 AP-21. They went on to show the world that if black folks and white folks could fight together, and fly together, then surely -- surely -- they could eat at a lunch counter together. Just keep working hard and keep the faith. (Applause.) Thank you for creating these fabulous individuals. Its the story of the son of immigrant -- Jamaican immigrants named Colin Powell who became a four star general, Secretary of State, and a role model for young people across the country. And I have seen how places that stifle the voices and dismiss the potential of their citizens are diminished; how they are less vital, less hopeful, less free. SOAPStone Speaker: Michelle Obama Occasion: City College . So I just want to take it all in. Epic increases in college financial aid. Spencer Platt / Getty Images. Now whats happening right now is the direct result of decades of unaddressed, prejudice, and inequality. That pilot I mentioned earlier -- Charles DeBow -- he didnt rest on his laurels after making history. You can learn them together as a cohort of young people ready to take on the world, no matter how tumultuous it may be. (Applause.) A path, fortunately, more focused on meaning and service. (Applause.) They didnt say its my way or the highway. Instead, they knew where they wanted to go, and they were strategic and pragmatic about getting there. Juggling multiple jobs to support your families and pay your tuition. I certainly hope so. And in the years before Dr. King addressed those Oberlin graduates in 65, he and his colleagues faced fire hoses and dogs in Montgomery, beatings on a bridge in Selma, insults and assaults as they sat quietly at lunch counters and marched peacefully down public streets. Michelle Obama's commencement speeches: a compendium of excerpts. Just think about the folks who are winning those battles state by state, city by city to ensure that everyone in this country can marry the person they love. Youll experience illnesses and losses, crises and setbacks that will come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet. It needed to be carried, not just by the housekeeper and the shift worker, but by the senator and the congresswoman and yes the President of the United States. Or you might remember the on-stage celebratory fist bump between me and my husband after a primary win that was referred to as a terrorist fist jab. And over the years, folks have used plenty of interesting words to describe me. And dont just ask yourselves these questions. And I know that these little indignities are obviously nothing compared to what folks across the country are dealing with every single day -- those nagging worries that youre going to get stopped or pulled over for absolutely no reason; the fear that your job application will be overlooked because of the way your name sounds; the agony of sending your kids to schools that may no longer be separate, but are far from equal; the realization that no matter how far you rise in life, how hard you work to be a good person, a good parent, a good citizen -- for some folks, it will never be enough. Heres the thing, you have the opportunity to learn these valuable lessons faster than the generations before you. In tones both aspirational and political, Michelle Obama on Friday used her last commencement address as first lady to salute graduates of the City College of New York as "living, breathing. Let me just say a few thank yous. So we need to invest in and strengthen our public universities today, and for generations to come. Because so often, throughout our history, those have been the places where progress really happensthe places where minds are changed, lives transformed, where our great American story unfolds. There were the so-called scientific studies that said that black mens brains were smaller than white mens. New York, New York, MRS. OBAMA: Wow! Thank you so much. And, graduates, I really want you all to know that there is a reason why, of all of the colleges and universities in this country, I chose this particular school in this particular city for this special moment. Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama gave a virtual video speech on July 13 to the 2020 Girl Up Leadership Summit attendees. Thank you for allowing me to share this final commencement with you. I think we all are. I am so proud of you. Michelle Obama Video screenshot Democratic leaders such as Michelle. MRS. OBAMA: Hi! The statements made by Michelle Obama are inspiring and appealing to a majority of the young . Michelle Obama has addressed millions of young people across America with a moving 2020 graduation commencement speech addressing the Black Lives Matter protests and the impact of the coronavirus . And at the end of the day, by staying true to the me Ive always known, I found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. She blew it out of the water. (Applause. (Laughter.) Peloton: Get a great cardio workout at home with the Peloton Bike!Right now Peloton has a limited-time offer: get $100 off accessories when you purchase the Peloton Bike! And I know you worked hard to make it to this moment, didnt you? Michelle Obama: (02:44) Now, did these compromises make these leaders sellouts? I really dont want to follow those two. Let me tell you it is a pleasure and an honor -- yes, Chicago -- (laughter and applause) -- to be with all of you today. You are the living, breathing proof that the American Dream endures in our time. Michelle Obama Gives Commencement Speech By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS June 3, 2016 Michelle Obama said that in America "we don't build up walls to keep people out" as she delivered the. "If the world is going to get better, it's up to you," former president Barack Obama said in his address to graduating high school students on May 16. I want you to act with both your mind, but also your heart. Like I said before, I dont have any easy answers for you, but I do have some lessons I want to share about how to move forward in these tumultuous times. Send any friend a . So proud of you all back there. Michelle Obama delivered her final commencement address as first lady on Friday to thousands graduating from the City College of New York in Harlem. The great moments of our history are not decades in our past; theyre happening right now, today, in our lifetimes. (Applause.). Well, after facing all kinds of opposition, he eventually agreed to a Social Security plan that covered only 60 percent of workers. Because we both know that you cannot fully achieve your goals of service and social justice if you turn away from politics and public policy. His commencement speech during the Graduation 2020 event was a call to action. Follow whats happening in your city hall, your statehouse, Washington, D.C. But when anger is focused, when its channeled into something more, oh, that is the stuff that changes history. (Applause.) Thank you all. Translated on-screen subtitles for videos. Background Info Message: In her commencement speech, Michelle Obama talks about how everyone has the potential to become someone important. They knew that our laws matter. 19). And as the years pass, youll feel the same freedom that Charles DeBow did when he was taking off in that airplane. So graduates, it is your time now and look, our democracy isnt perfect. Check out our hand-picked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. ), Let me start by thanking President Johnson for that very gracious introduction, and for awarding me with this honorary degree from an extraordinary institution. Theyre rooted in decades of structural challenges that have made too many folks feel frustrated and invisible. Next, Ive always felt a deep sense of obligation to make the biggest impact possible with this incredible platform. And as weve seen over the past few years, those feelings are real. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. (Applause.) And of course, Barack has endured his fair share of insults and slights. You will follow alums like many of your parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles -- leaders like Robert Robinson Taylor, a groundbreaking architect and administrator here who was recently honored on a postage stamp. Are you thinking of teaching in an under-served school? Beyonc delivered a special message to graduates during YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 broadcast. Create a better, more engaging experience for every student. Industry-leading accurate legal transcription to ensure you dont miss a statement. You represent just about every possible background - every color and culture, every faith and walk of life. Then there was the first time I was on a magazine cover -- it was a cartoon drawing of me with a huge afro and machine gun. And thats, as the President said, why Im here today. So I am here today to talk to you, not as the former first lady, but as a real life person, a mother, a mentor, a citizen concerned about your future and the future of our country. Think about how just 10 years ago, gay marriage was legal in just one state in this countryjust oneand today, it is legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. And on top of all of that, you spent thousands of hours giving back to this communitytutoring kids, playing music for seniors, serving food to folks in need, and of course, mentoring the local young people back thereI see you allthrough the Ninde Scholars Program. Michelle Obama: (14:05) Woo! We always have been. Speech-to-Text API for pre-recorded audio, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition engine. Easily integrate Rev using our robust APIs to start building your product quickly. But remember that one rule is keep mom happy. (Laughter.) Aniyah, thank you for. (Applause. And think about President Roosevelts struggle to pass the New Deal a few decades later. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. And our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family, his friends, and this entire community. They did it so that others could follow them and learn on this campus, too. Think about the millions of folks who got out to vote on Election Day, waiting in the cold and rain in lines that stretched for hours, refusing to leave until they made their voices heard. Ask yourself, do you know where your polling place is? Today, you can help your younger cousin fill out her college financial aid form so that she could be sitting in those chairs one day. You see, in his speech to those Oberlin graduates 50 years ago, Dr. King urged them, as Julia said, not to sleep through the civil rights revolution that was raging across this country. How are you all doing? And dont let anybody tell you differently. And I think this was the perfect place to be, because this is my last chance to share my love and admiration, and hopefully a little bit of wisdom with a graduating class. All right? So Im here today because Im proud of you all. And as so often as the case, these questions compound upon themselves, see if youre struggling already just to keep your head above water. (Applause.) See, this is my very last commencement address as First Lady of the United States. Following is a transcript of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University of California, Merced, as provided by the White House. "Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us: sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed," Obama said . But that has only happened because folks like all of you left their comfort zones and made their voices heard. In that role, I encountered students who had every advantage - their parents paid their full tuition, they lived in beautiful campus dorms. (Laughter.). She is such an inspiration to all of the women who are part of the Read Obama's inspiring commencement address to 2020's high school graduates. (Applause. But heres the thing, while this period is certainly unprecedented, it is not a complete anomaly, simply some random coincidence to be dismissed. Some want to march right up in front, others prefer to stay back, some kneel in the pews, others on the street corner, some canvas their neighborhoods, others run for office. Just the opposite, because what we finally do have is focus. They lost it, because they were ill-equipped to handle their first encounter with disappointment or falling short. Instead, make a decision to use your privilege and your voice for the things that really matter, which is my third lesson today, to share that voice with the rest of the world. No, not when many young people just like you -- the men and women we honor this Memorial Dayhave sacrificed their lives for your freedom to make your voice heard. This is it. It deadens your spirit and it hardens your heart may seem like a winning strategy in the short run. Youve got it in you. You see, its wonderful to volunteer at your local homeless shelterplease do thatbut you also need to attend the city council meetings and make sure the zoning laws dont shut that shelter down. He said " 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 .". Because in this country, its never been each person for themselves. So, again, Im proud of you all. To celebrate the graduates whose final years of school have been upended, former first lady Michelle Obama and former president Barack Obama are taking part in a YouTube special. That leads me to my second lesson, in an uncertain world time tested values like honesty and integrity, empathy and compassion. Studying late into the night, early in the morning; on subways and buses, and in those few precious minutes during breaks at work. So if you want to change their minds, if you want to work with them to move this country forward, you cant just shut them out. 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