Barack And Michelle Obama Will Give Virtual Commencement Speeches For Class Of 2020

TOPLINE

Former President Barack Obama took members of the Class of 2020 up on their offer. He and former First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver virtual commencement speeches for students, most of whom won’t have in-person graduation ceremonies because of the coronavirus pandemic.

KEY FACTS

CRUCIAL QUOTE

“I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones,” Barack said on social media Tuesday. 

KEY BACKGROUND

Last month, the hashtag #ObamaCommencement2020 gained traction on social media after California high school senior Lincoln Debenham tweeted Barack and asked him to consider giving a national commencement speech. Debenham told Barack it would give graduating seniors “great comfort” to hear his voice, during a time when many students have been “saddened” by missing out on milestones like prom and graduation.

FURTHER READING

The Obamas Will Give Virtual Commencement Speeches for the Class of 2020 amid Coronavirus (People)

Barack and Michelle Obama will deliver commencement speeches for the class of 2020 (ABC)

Obamas to participate in Class of 2020 virtual commencement (The Hill)

High School Seniors Request A (Virtual) Obama Commencement Speech, And It Goes Viral (Forbes)