Michelle Obama Speech at Spelman's 2011 Commencement part 2/2 Press Release First Lady Michelle Obama To Deliver Commencement Address To The Spelman College Class Of 2011 Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad to receive Honorary Degrees Teach For America CEO Wendy Kopp to receive National Community Service Award Oh, my goodness. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. They had every material possession a college kid could want - cars, computers, spending money. I think we all are. She appealed directly to the youth facing the incoming . (Applause.) Section 107, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. It can make you feel like your life somehow doesnt matter -- that youre like the invisible man that Tuskegee grad Ralph Ellison wrote about all those years ago. And those feelings are playing out in communities like Baltimore and Ferguson and so many others across this country. (Applause.) So nakedly exposed for all of us to grapple with. So I took on issues that were personal to me -- issues like helping families raise healthier kids, honoring the incredible military families Id met on the campaign trail, inspiring our young people to value their education and finish college. No, you dont get to be precious or cautious or cynical. Read more. City College of New York (June 3, 2016) In her final commencement address as first lady, Michelle Obama spoke to the City College of New York's graduates about how differences make us. They lost it, because they were ill-equipped to handle their first encounter with disappointment or falling short. Do you know when your primary elections are held? So he dug through trash piles and collected old bottles, and tea cups, and fruit jars to use in his first experiments. And I'm so glad to be here. What inspires you? Over the years, Ive occasionally run into the noise myself. 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 . ), Are you planning to rally for marriage equality on the steps of the Supreme Court? Not when women still make less than men for the same work. Build with the best speech-to-text APIs around. You all have come here from all across the country to study, to learn, maybe have a little fun along the way -- from freshman year in Adams or Younge Hall -- (applause) -- to those late night food runs to The Coop. (Applause.). Good luck on the road ahead. Or when they helped you with a question that you couldnt have possibly answered on your own. Let me tell you it is a pleasure and an honor -- yes, Chicago -- (laughter and applause) -- to be with all of you today. So graduates, I hope that what youre going through right now can be your wake up call that it pushes you, not just to think about what kind of career you want to build. (Applause.) MRS. OBAMA: Well, thank you. She blew it out of the water. Very proud. Apple executive Lisa Jackson will give the keynote Commencement address; scientist Joanne Chory and broadcast journalist Robert Krulwich 69 will also receive honorary degrees. Let me just take it in. (Applause.). 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. 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. Well done. Just one. But unlike so many other young people, you have already developed the resilience and the maturity that you need to pick yourself up and dust yourself off and keep moving through the pain, keep moving forward. (Laughter and applause.) You all, I mean, this has been the most fun I think I've had at a commencement ever. Barack Obama gave a speech in a HBCU virtual commencement, in which he criticized US leadership. Just look around. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. You have exceptional musical talent and intellectual enthusiasm.We have a place just for you. 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. (Laughter and applause.) 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. (Applause.) See, all of you know, for centuries, this city has been the gateway to America for so many striving, hope-filled immigrants -- folks who left behind everything they knew to seek out this land of opportunity that they dreamed of. (Applause.) Or when they opened your eyes to an injustice you never knew existed. (Applause.). Yes! Read the latest blog posts from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Check out the most popular infographics and videos, View the photo of the day and other galleries, Tune in to White House events and statements as they happen, See the lineup of artists and performers at the White House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building Tour. Below, watch and read the 44th president's full inspiring message and speech closing out the "Graduate . And thats completely understandable. Let me just say a few thank yous. Thank you so. Former first lady Michelle Obama seen in her Class of 2020 commencement speech during a YouTube livestream on Sunday, June 7, 2020. In that role, I encountered students who had every advantage - their parents paid their full tuition, they lived in beautiful campus dorms. And I have to join in recognizing all the folks up in the stands -- the parents, siblings, friends -- (applause) -- so many others who have poured their love and support into these graduates every step of the way. Michelle Obama: ( 00:00) Hi, everyone. I struggled to find the right words of wisdom for you today. Hey everybody. I cant wait to see how high you soar. Check out our hand-picked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. Michelle Obama: (03:42) They did it so that others could follow them and learn on this campus, too. The obligation to use the opportunities youve had to help others. But also by the rumbling of the age old fault lines that our country was built on the lines of race and power that are now once again. "I want our young people to know. (Applause. And finally, most of all, I want to congratulate the men and women of the Tuskegee University Class of 2015! But remember that one rule is keep mom happy. (Laughter.) To have you be seen, but not heard. More progress on LGBT rights than any time in our history. 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. (Applause.) Thank you -- thank you so much for this warm welcome, this tremendous hospitality. He said that a takeoff was -- in his words -- a never-failing miracle where all the bumps would smooth off [youre] in the air out of this world free.. 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. (Applause.) And, graduates, that is how you will carry on the proud legacy of this great institution for generations to come. (Laughter.). MICHELLE OBAMA: Thank you. A path, fortunately, more focused on meaning and service. 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. (Laughter.) (Applause.). Wow, you guys are good! ), And of course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her amazing performance of the National Anthem earlier today. (Applause.). Michelle Obama: (16:20) Thank you so much. We will be there with you every step of the way. Treating people right will never ever fail you. (Applause.). MRS. OBAMA: Thank you all. But, graduates, as you all know, life will put many obstacles in your path that are far worse than a bad grade. Its okay if you dont understand exactly what youre feeling, were all sorting through this in real time. May 11, 2015. 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. And while that may not be the first thing that some folks want to hear from an Ivy-league educated lawyer, it is truly who I am. And I decided to tackle them in the way that felt most authentic to me -- in a way that was both substantive and strategic, but also fun and, hopefully, inspiring. So dont ever, ever let anyone tell you that youre too angry or that you should keep your mouth shut. What happens at every school board meeting, every legislative sessionthat is your concern. And Im impressed by the community that you all have created herea warm, supportive, inclusive community that embodies the values that define this school. So by providing tutoring and ACT prep classes, financial aid workshops, and so much more, your Ninde Scholars Program stood out as a shining example of how schools like Oberlin can lift first-generation students into college. (Applause.) T-U! 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. Michelle Obama Video screenshot Democratic leaders such as Michelle. (Applause.) So, again, Im proud of you all. Everybody has got to vote when the time comes, but the activism that leads up to that day comes in many forms. 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. Ive experienced a little bit of it myself. Get in there. Its never come from folks who climb the ladder of success, or who happen to be born near the top and then pull that ladder up after themselves. And that is how all those infusions of new cultures and ideas, generation after generation, created the matchless alchemy of our melting pot and helped us build the strongest, most vibrant, most prosperous nation on the planet, right here. The statements made by Michelle Obama are inspiring and appealing to a majority of the young . Read the latest blog posts from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Check out the most popular infographics and videos, View the photo of the day and other galleries, Tune in to White House events and statements as they happen, See the lineup of artists and performers at the White House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building Tour. SOAPStone Speaker: Michelle Obama Occasion: City College . Aniyah, thank you for. Enjoy the liberties that you have in this great country. Thats just the way the process works. She urged the 493 members of the school's first full graduating class to give back to their communities: Thank you for creating these fabulous individuals. Because right now, all that superficial stuff of titles and positions, all of that has been stripped away. Official Army reports stated that black soldiers were childlike, shiftless, unmoral and untruthful, and as one quote stated, if fed, loyal and compliant.. The son of a Russian-Jewish immigrant, his songs still light up Broadway today. Next, Ive always felt a deep sense of obligation to make the biggest impact possible with this incredible platform. Michelle Obama delivered her final commencement address as first lady on Friday to thousands graduating from the City College of New York in Harlem. If you listen to them, then nothing will ever change. Youve worked hard for those seats! The biomedical science major who was born in Afghanistan and plans to be a doctor, a policy maker and an educator. This is it. (Applause.) Im inspired by your commitment to service and social justice. The world wont always see you in those caps and gowns. I did my research. Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow. (Applause.) Read Obama's inspiring commencement address to 2020's high school graduates. Thank you. I did some Mom Dancing on TV. Can Michelle Obama's speech offer, as an amendment to . So I just want to take it all in. Thank you so much. Thats it; that's the way we move forward. Let me just take it in. A RESTful API to access Revs workforce of fast, high quality transcriptionists and captioners. 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. The student-led initiative to have her speak included a YouTube video, Facebook campaign and more than 900 Valentine's Day cards. Look, Ive been there many times in my life. Look at you! But, graduates, I can tell you, as First Lady, I have had the privilege of traveling around the world and visiting dozens of different countries, and I have seen what happens when ideas like these take hold. A few years later, when George Washington Carver first came here for his research, there was no laboratory. They got fluent in the language of power. Because they knew it wasnt enough to welcome women and African American students to Oberlin if they would only graduate in four years to be second-class citizens in their own country. Studying late into the night, early in the morning; on subways and buses, and in those few precious minutes during breaks at work. They even threw prayer books at her as she tried to speak. 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. And they also understood that often, the biggest, most dramatic change happens incrementally, little by little, through compromises and adjustments over years and decades. Some of you have risked the rejection of your families to pursue your education. Youll have unreasonable bosses and difficult clients and patients. 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. 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. We want everything right awaywhether its an Uber or your favorite TV showand we want it tailored to our exact preferences and beliefs. The vibrancy that comes from a diversity of ideas and perspectives, the chance to leave this world a little better than you found it. You all, I mean, this has been the most fun I think Ive had at a commencement ever. That is the power of our differences to make us smarter and more creative. 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. Because heres the thing -- the road ahead is not going to be easy. And most of all, youve got yourselves -- and all of the heart, and grit, and smarts that got you to this day. That is your story, graduates, and that is the story of your families. Thank you. If we dislike someones Facebook post, we just un-follow them, we un-friend them. Not here. And dont let anybody tell you differently. And think about President Roosevelts struggle to pass the New Deal a few decades later. I have so much faith in who you will be. Thank you so much. 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. But when anger is focused, when its channeled into something more, oh, that is the stuff that changes history. And I want to thank President Tatum for her leadership and for that very kind and generous introduction. And I know you worked hard to make it to this moment, didnt you? Search over 350 speeches by name,. She spoke about starting her own business as a Black woman, and paid tribute to the Black Lives . Oh, my goodness. And while were reaching out, please lets give everyone whos working toward progress space to be themselves. 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. Read his full commencement address here. So we need to invest in and strengthen our public universities today, and for generations to come. 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. 10 Nobel Prize winners, at least 11 Oscar recipients, and secures nearly $60 million per year in research awards that address pressing needs and lead to improvements in people's lives and communities around the world. So on behalf of your students, I just want to show you all some love today, as well. I also want to recognize Senator Schumer, Chancellor Milliken, Trustee Shorter, Edward Plotkin, as well as your amazing valedictorian, Antonios Mourdoukoutas -- did I get it right? They were joining the Equal Suffrage League and speaking out for womens right to vote. 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. Generation after generation, students here have shown that same grit, that same resilience to soar past obstacles and outrages -- past the threat of countryside lynchings; past the humiliation of Jim Crow; past the turmoil of the Civil Rights era. MRS. OBAMA: Oh, I. For example, think back to the struggle for womens suffrage and the story of a leading suffragist and Oberlin alum named Lucy Stone. Because we all know that public universities have always been one of the greatest drivers of our prosperity, lifting countless people into the middle class, creating jobs and wealth all across this nation. It starts where change always starts in your own home, in your own social circles, in your own neighborhoods, at your own dinner tables. He kept lifting other folks up through education. And when they finally deployed overseas, white soldiers often wouldnt even return their salutes. Those moments when your classmates showed you that your stubborn opinion wasnt all that well-informed -- mmm hmm. We always have been. If so, Im glad to hear that. So proud of you all back there. Former First Lady Michelle Obama gave a commencement address online to the graduating class of 2020. (Applause.) But I also imagine that you might think about all that history, all those heroes who came before you -- you might also feel a little pressure, you know -- pressure to live up to the legacy of those who came before you; pressure to meet the expectations of others. (Applause. I am so proud to honor these American heroes todayand every dayfor their extraordinary service to our nation. They tell us to be afraid of those who are different, to be suspicious of those with whom we disagree. Dont deprive yourselves of all that. (Applause.) But today, graduates, I want to urge you to do just the opposite. (Applause.) I couldnt have said it better myself. And Eric was taken from us far too soon. Was I too loud, or too angry, or too emasculating? 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. No, were all in this together. We dont build up walls to keep people out because we know that our greatness has always depended on contributions from people who were born elsewhere but sought out this country and made it their home - from innovations like Google and eBay to inventions like the artificial heart, the telephone, even the blue jeans; to beloved patriotic songs like God Bless America, like national landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and, yes, the White House - both of which were designed by architects who were immigrants. 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. Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. No, really, who am I? And in the face of all of that clamor, you might have an overwhelming instinct to just run the other way as fast as you can. But as you all know, instead of being defined by the discrimination and the doubts of those around them, they became one of the most successful pursuit squadrons in our military. City College of New York (Applause. Its you. And, graduates, climate change, economic inequality, human rights, criminal justice - these are the revolutions of your time. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 --"Deep and . Spent hours practicing and performing. Over these past couple of months, our foundation has been shaken, not just by a pandemic that stole too many of our loved ones, up ended our daily lives and sent tens of millions into unemployment. The Complete Text Transcripts of Over 100 Barack Obama Speeches Where women are full participants in a country's politics or economy, societies are continue likely the succeed. No, of course not. But, graduates, let me tell you, you should never, ever be embarrassed by those struggles. King's Arkansas speech came a year after federal troops protected nine black students attending all-white Little Rock Central High School. Michelle Obama's commencement speeches: a compendium of excerpts. It was necessary to motivate students to take actions appealing to their emotions. 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. I also want to tell you how proud and how moved I am to receive this honorary degree from this particular schoolthe first college in America to officially embrace the admission of black students, and the first co-ed school to grant bachelors degrees to women. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Published May 16, 2010 Updated on May 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm. You represent just about every possible background - every color and culture, every faith and walk of life. First Lady Michelle Obama Tuskegee University Commencement Address (C-SPAN) C-SPAN 1.18M subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 202K views 7 years ago First Lady Michelle Obama delivers the. (Laughter.) And he knew that he was taking to the skies for them -- to give them and their children something more to hope for, something to aspire to. Michelle Obama gave a powerful commencement address to the high school and college graduates in the class of 2020. There will always be those who want to keep you silent. Woo! (Applause.). ), I also have to recognize the Concert Choir. Not when too many young people still languish in communities ripped apart by violence and despair. And Im not going to lie to youfor many of you, this is going to be a pretty big transition. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. (Applause.) (Applause.) Industry-leading accurate legal transcription to ensure you dont miss a statement. Not when millions of girls across the globe never set foot inside a school.