Michelle Obama got emotional as she delivered a passionate commencement address during the DearClassOf2020 special on Sunday.
as commencement speakers. The pair kicked things off with a joint message to students early on in the program. Soon after, Michelle delivered a solo commencement speech to graduates, getting emotional over their support of the Black Lives Matter movement and all they've done to fight police brutality, racial injustice and create change following George Floyd's death. Barack will also deliver a commencement address later on in the special.
"That leads me to my second lesson. In an uncertain world, time tested values like ... empathy and compassion. That's the only real currency in life," Michelle continued."Treating people right will never fail you.""For those of you who feel invisible, please know that your story matters. Your ideas matter. Your experience matters. Your vision for what the world can and should be matters.
"So graduates, it is your time now. And look, our democracy isn't perfect, but I have traveled the world and people in so many other countries, and I can tell you our democracy is sturdy, and yes, it still works. But it doesn't work if you silence yourselves. It does not work if you disengage from the process. And we're seeing the consequences of that right now," Michelle expressed.
"Please, let's give everyone who is working toward progress space to be themselves. ... Some want to march right up front, others prefer to stay back. Some kneel in the pews, others on the street corner. Some canvas their neighborhoods, others run for office. Some do an honest day's work and raise good kids. Others choose to focus on their education and use that degree to address these issues and build a better life for themselves and those around them," she said.
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