'More than anything, 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,' he said.
The former president said that the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black communities was similar to other issues already faced by the community and demonstrates a need for change.
Obama also critiqued U.S. leaders' handling of the coronavirus pandemic, but used it as an opportunity to show graduates that they could achieve change. The virtual ceremony also boasted appearances by other celebrities, politicians, and moguls like actress Vivica A. Fox; California Senator Kamala Harris; guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr.; ActOne Group CEO Janice Bryant Howroyd; comedian Keenan Ivory Wayans, and more. The event was hosted by comic Kevin Hart.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Obama Addresses HBCU 2020 Grads in Commencement SpeechBarack's words to the HBCU 2020 graduating class were nothing short of inspiring.
Read more »
Watch President Obama's Commencement Speech for HBCU GraduatesAt JPMorgan Chase's 'Show Me Your Walk HBCU Edition,' President Barack Obama gave the first of his two commencement speeches for today.
Read more »
McConnell admits he was wrong to say Obama didn't leave Trump a pandemic 'game plan'Senate Majority Leader McConnell admits he was wrong to say President Obama didn't leave President Trump a pandemic 'game plan.'
Read more »
McConnell admits he was wrong to say Obama didn't leave Trump a pandemic 'game plan'The Senate Majority leader did his about face in an interview with Fox News.
Read more »
Obama emerges as central figure in 2020 presidential raceFmr. President Obama’s favorable ratings are higher than either of the men who will be on the ballot in November, poll shows.
Read more »
John Brennan calls Trump targeting Obama era officials an ‘abominable abuse of authority’The president’s acting Director of National Intelligence declassified a list of Obama era officials who pointed out that Michael Flynn was having conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. National Security experts say it’s an effort on the Trump Administration's part to shift the narrative on the Russia investigation. Former CIA Director John Brennan says the United States is in ‘very serious trouble when you have such blatant political corruption at the highest levels of government.’ Brennan went on to say, “I’m just hoping that individuals like Chris Wray, who is a remarkable public servant, will stay strong in the face of abominable abuse of authority.'
Read more »