Biden to give speech at Morehouse graduation amidst protests at other ceremonies
President Biden is set to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College this Sunday amidst ongoing protests impacting graduation ceremonies nationwide. This address at the historically Black college serves as an opportunity for Biden to solidify his support among Black voters ahead of the 2024 election. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed that Biden has been diligently crafting his speech alongside senior advisers for several days, emphasizing the significance of the message he aims to convey to future leaders.
“He’s been working on these remarks for the past couple days, I can assure you, with his senior advisers. He’s taking this incredibly seriously,” Jean-Pierre expressed. “It will meet the moment. And I think you will hear directly from the president on how he sees obviously the future of this country, and also the community that they represent.”
Recently, Biden announced a significant investment of $16 billion in new funding for historically Black colleges and universities, underscoring the crucial role of institutions like Morehouse. His specific mention of Morehouse in relation to this funding initiative highlights the college’s pivotal historical mission of empowering Black Americans to pursue education and freedom.
Biden’s forthcoming presence at Morehouse occurs against the backdrop of widespread anti-Israel protests engulfing campuses nationwide. The college itself has not been immune to internal unrest, with divisions among the student body regarding Biden’s upcoming commencement address. Reports suggest that some students are organizing a silent protest during Biden’s speech, intending to symbolically protest his policies by turning their backs on him.
Expressing discontent with Biden’s visit, student DeAngelo Fletcher raised concerns about the timing of the president’s appearance amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The decision to invite Biden during an election year, particularly aimed at capturing the young Black vote, has stirred feelings of discomfort among some members of the Morehouse community.
Moreover, allegations that Biden supported Israeli actions deemed genocidal by some students and faculty members have further fueled opposition to his participation in the commencement ceremony. Calls to rescind Biden’s invitation, spearheaded by hundreds of Morehouse alumni, underscore the complex dynamics at play as the college prepares to welcome the president.
As President Biden prepares to address Morehouse College graduates, the intersection of political, social, and historical factors adds layers of complexity to this significant event. The speech delivered by Biden on Sunday will not only reflect his vision for the future but also stands as a microcosm of the broader societal debates and tensions currently reverberating across the nation.
