michelle obama commencement speech transcriptmichelle obama commencement speech transcript

Just the opposite, because what we finally do have is focus. (Applause. I wish you the best of luck. Michelle Obama: ( 00:07) Hey everybody. This is an important time of transition in light of the current state of our country. It can be a useful force, but left on its own it will only corrode and destroy and sow chaos on the inside and out. So throughout this journey, I have learned to block everything out and focus on my truth. Its up to you to march hand in hand with your allies to stand peacefully with dignity and purpose on the front lines, in the fight for justice. Maybe they just arrived here recently, determined to give you a better life. And I know, as President Krislov understands, that electing the right folks mattersit matters a lot. Without mentioning the presumptive Republican presidential candidate by name, the first lady made one of the most . She spoke about starting her own business as a Black woman, and paid tribute to the Black Lives . 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. And now, graduates, its your turn to take up that cause. 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. Discover why Rev is the #1 speech-to-text service in the world. Heres the thing, you have the opportunity to learn these valuable lessons faster than the generations before you. And, more importantly, you embody the very hopes and dreams carved into the base of that iconic statue not so far from where we sit -- on that island where so many of your predecessors at this school first set foot on our shores. Go further, send all your friends a link to register to vote, text everybody you know to join you in exercising, their constitutional right to protest. Im trying to cover you. Michelle Obama at City College of New York in 2016. And FDR? (Applause. Transcript: Read Michelle Obama's full speech from the 2016 DNC It certainly caught the attention of the press both on Monday and when the first lady tested it out last month during a. Sometimes its easy to stand with strangers that are protests than it is to challenge someone in your own backyard. Make sure the folks who represent you share your values and aspirations. Yet when they hit the ground, folks treated them like they were nobody -- as if their very existence meant nothing. One of those first pilots, a man named Charles DeBow, put it this way. So Id say that debate was pretty polarized, wouldnt you? So as you prepare for the next stage of what I know will be a remarkable journey, I'll leave you with a few quick pieces of . I am so proud of you. I am just overwhelmed. And Im not going to lie to youfor many of you, this is going to be a pretty big transition. And Im so proud of you both -- and to your families, congratulations. Apple executive Lisa Jackson will give the keynote Commencement address; scientist Joanne Chory and broadcast journalist Robert Krulwich 69 will also receive honorary degrees. I believe in you all. In her last commencement speech as first lady, at City College of New York in 2016, Obama said, "Our greatness has never, ever come from sitting back . See, graduates, this is what happens when you turn your attention outward and decide to brave the noise and engage yourself in the struggles of our time. Im inspired by your commitment to service and social justice. (Applause.). Was he thrilled about that? June 3, 2016, 7:00 PM. After being surrounded by people who are so dedicated to serving others and making the world a better place, you might feel a little discouraged by the polarization and gridlock that too often characterize our politics and civic life. So proud of you all back there. 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. So I just want to take it all in. Former First Lady Michelle Obama gave a commencement address online to the graduating class of 2020. Thank you. (Laughter.). 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. Transcribe Your Own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. But today, graduates, I want to urge you to do just the opposite. So dont ever, ever let anyone tell you that youre too angry or that you should keep your mouth shut. 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. And I want to be very clear: Every city ordinance, every ballot measure, every law on the books in this countrythat is your concern. Oberlin has separate application processes for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. Or consider the story of the former CEO of Intel, Andrew Grove, class of 1960. I want to recognize Major General Williams; Congresswoman Sewell; Zachary; Kalauna; to all of the trustees, the faculty, the staff here at Tuskegee University. Probably not. It is an honor to be here with you to help celebrate this amazing milestone in your lives. Obama touched on the background of the school, the background of her own family and how it will inform the future of the graduates. Former First Lady Michelle Obama, YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 --"Deep and . (Applause.) And finally, most of all, I want to congratulate the men and women of the Tuskegee University Class of 2015! 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. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. Woo! (Applause.) I am proud to have this degree -- very proud. Congratulations again on your graduation. And those feelings are playing out in communities like Baltimore and Ferguson and so many others across this country. Michelle Obama: (01:02) And I have seen how places that stifle the voices and dismiss the potential of their citizens are diminished; how they are less vital, less hopeful, less free. (Applause. ), And of course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her amazing performance of the National Anthem earlier today. Public education is our greatest pathway to opportunity in America. (Applause.) -- Below is the full text of Michelle Obama 's speech to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25, 2016. I am confident in your ability to do amazing things. Because we both know that you cannot fully achieve your goals of service and social justice if you turn away from politics and public policy. You see, its wonderful to volunteer at your local homeless shelterplease do thatbut you also need to attend the city council meetings and make sure the zoning laws dont shut that shelter down. And thats why, in his remarks 50 years ago, Dr. King urged the class of 65 to stand up and be a concerned generation. And, graduates, that call to action applies just as much to all of you today. Ive seen your creativity and your talent and your resourcefulness. (Applause.). So many kids need you. Enjoy the liberties that you have in this great country. I worked with Congress on legislation, gave speeches to CEOs, military generals and Hollywood executives. (Laughter.) Those were the words spoken by first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday to the graduates of King College Prep High School in Chicago's South Side. Michelle Obama's commencement speeches: a compendium of excerpts. Oberlin is likely the only college in America that I could have attended nearly two centuries ago, and I am honored to be part of the extraordinary legacy of this great institution. Now, those Airmen could easily have let that experience clip their wings. (Applause.). And Im here because of all of you. After all, Lucy Stone spent years speaking out for partial suffrage - for allowing women to vote only on things like school issues and local issuesbecause she realized that full suffrage was just too controversial. And, graduates, with a degree from this amazing school, and all the status and connections that degree confers, you dont get to have no hands. Thank you -- thank you so much for this warm welcome, this tremendous hospitality. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. The extraordinary challenges of COVID-19 called for creative planning to send off graduates in a meaningful way. In that speech, Michelle said Maya's poem, "Phenomenal Woman," "spoke to the essence of black women." "As a young woman, I needed that message," she said. Think about the millions of folks who got out to vote on Election Day, waiting in the cold and rain in lines that stretched for hours, refusing to leave until they made their voices heard. People screamed at her. The two-hour event, "Show Me Your. Today, I want to urge you to actively seek out the most contentious, polarized, gridlocked places you can find. Ive seen you speaking out in gun violence and fight climate change. 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. Let's let our graduates rest themselves. And many of you know what its like to live not just month to month or day to day, but meal to meal. "I want our young people to know. Now, will this be easy? 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. 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 . And I want to thank President Tatum for her leadership and for that very kind and generous introduction. (Laughter.) So he dug through trash piles and collected old bottles, and tea cups, and fruit jars to use in his first experiments. 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. Published May 16, 2010 Updated on May 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm. ), I should be here today. And heres what I really want you to know -- you have got everything you need to do this. (Applause.) Hey, no, not just once in a while. You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. I think we all are. Do you know when your primary elections are held? I want you to listen to those thoughts. (Applause.) Maybe they dont even want to see you at all, but those people dont know your story. Back when my husband first started campaigning for President, folks had all sorts of questions of me: What kind of First Lady would I be? May 16, 2020 at 9:59 p.m. EDT. Her opponents declared that letting women vote was unnatural, would lead to child neglect and all kinds of social ills. Just look at the story of Oberlin College. Youre here! The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever Looking for some new words of wisdom? So, again, Im proud of you all. And your amazing salutatorian, Orubba Almansouri. Despite . But, as potentially the first African American First Lady, I was also the focus of another set of questions and speculations; conversations sometimes rooted in the fears and misperceptions of others. Historic agreements to fight climate change. And get out and vote in every electionnot just the big national ones that get all the attention, but every single election. (Applause.) It will be hard. It was necessary to motivate students to take actions appealing to their emotions. Now, some folks criticized my choices for not being bold enough. And with the education youve gotten at this fine school, and the experiences youve had in your lives, let me tell you, nothing - and I mean nothing - is going to stop you from fulfilling your dreams. First Lady Michelle Obama used her final commencement address to deliver a series of important messages to this year's graduates. But if you hold strong with the same faith that carried all of those giants before you toward real measurable progress, you will change the course of history. Transcript of First Lady Michelle Obama's Commencement Address May 25, 2015 Communications Staff For immediate release May 25, 2015 Remarks by the First Lady of the United States 11:05 A.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA: Hi! (Applause.) But these folks didnt let the ugliness and the obstacles deter them. Because we know that our greatness comes when we appreciate each others strengths, when we learn from each other, when we lean on each other. Because it is absolutely still possible to make a difference. Michelle Obama calls for sticking to the personal individuality. 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. And here in America, we dont give in to our fears. Because I know that there is no better way to celebrate this great country than being here with you. Michelle Obama kicked off her "Dear Class of 2020" graduation speech with a list of uncomfortable questions and truths. Well, then how do you begin to chart your own course? 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. Well done. But its no coincidence that were both urging you to get involved in civic life. And on top of all of that, you spent thousands of hours giving back to this communitytutoring kids, playing music for seniors, serving food to folks in need, and of course, mentoring the local young people back thereI see you allthrough the Ninde Scholars Program. And I know that because Ive seen it myself, not just as a student working my way through school, but years later when I became -- before I came to the White House and I worked as a dean at a college. And at the end of the day, by staying true to the me Ive always known, I found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. 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. That is what so many of our heroes of history have done. And its the story of my family, too. Its your story and the story of those who came before you at this school. Make your content more accessible to people with disabilities. (Applause.) 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. No, were all in this together. I would have given anything, anything to bring them back. You all have worked so hard and come so far to reach this milestone, so I know this is a big day for all of you and your families, and for everyone at this school who supported you on this journey. (Applause.) 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. 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. So I want you to know that its okay to be confused. Because that President will ultimately choose the justices who decide those cases in the first place. Read his full commencement address here. Be great. Michelle Obama: (09:57) Barack Obama gave a speech in a HBCU virtual commencement, in which he criticized US leadership. (Applause.) Just look around. And I know that these days, that can seem counterintuitive, because we live in such an instantaneous age. (Applause.) (Applause.) I can tell you that our democracy is sturdy and yes, it still works, but it doesnt work if you silence yourselves. It was also Michelle Obama's first commencement address as First Lady. (Applause.) As the President eloquently said, at this school, you represent more than 150 nationalities. See, this is my very last commencement address as First Lady of the United States. The first is this life will always be uncertain. Section 107, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. We can take on those deep-rooted problems, and together -- together -- we can overcome anything that stands in our way. The educational theater student from right here in Harlem whos already an award-winning playwright and recently spoke at the White House. (Applause.). So, yeah, I planted a garden, and hula-hooped on the White House Lawn with kids. 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. And that is why I wanted to be here today at City College. 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. I did my research. Maybe your family has been in this city for generations, or maybe, like my family, they came to this country centuries ago in chains. You see, those Airmen always understood that they had a double duty -- one to their country and another to all the black folks who were counting on them to pave the way forward. And my husband and I know how frustrating that experience can be. So for me, being Mom-in-Chief is, and always will be, job number one. Ask your friends, your family, ask everyone you see in your neighborhood. (Applause. The biomedical science major who was born in Afghanistan and plans to be a doctor, a policy maker and an educator. SOAPStone Speaker: Michelle Obama Occasion: City College . Thats my story. Folks like Lucy Stone and FDR, they didnt get caught up in their egos or their ideology. Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow. And even after my father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and he struggled to walk, relying on crutches just to get himself out of bed each morning, my father hardly ever missed a day of work. STUDENT: We love you so much, Michelle! (Applause.) You rob yourself of the things that matter most. I want you to ask those basic questions: Who do you want to be? And today, it is no longer remarkable to see two beautiful black girls walking their dogs on the South Lawn of the White House lawn. Not an excuse. Thank you so much. Create a better, more engaging experience for every student. The story of Tuskegee is full of stories like theirs -- men and women who came to this city, seized their own futures, and wound up shaping the arc of history for African Americans and all Americans. Now, I dont know whether your President knows what I was going to say today, but I know that he had some kind words for you all about this issue. Oh, my goodness. May 9, 2015. Well done. ), And all of that is going to be a heavy burden to carry. (Applause.). You can learn them together as a cohort of young people ready to take on the world, no matter how tumultuous it may be. Thank you so. Speech Michelle Obama, the former first lady, was the keynote speaker on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Treating people right will never ever fail you. Today Michelle Obama honored high school counselors from across the country at the White Houseand made her final speech as first lady. Read Obama's inspiring commencement address to 2020's high school graduates. Because while weve come so far, the truth is that those age-old problems are stubborn and they havent fully gone away. Not just when my husband or somebody you like is on the ballot. Because heres the thing -- the road ahead is not going to be easy. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. MRS. OBAMA: Well, goodness. Lets let our graduates rest themselves. (Applause.) Following is a transcript of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University of California, Merced, as provided by the White House. And when he was up in the sky, Charles sometimes looked down to see black folks out in the cotton fields not far from here -- the same fields where decades before, their ancestors as slaves. Former first lady Michelle Obama seen in her Class of 2020 commencement speech during a YouTube livestream on Sunday, June 7, 2020. More progress on LGBT rights than any time in our history. I think your valedictorian put it best -- and this is a quote -- he said, The sole irreplaceable component of my CCNY experience came from learning alongside people with life experiences strikingly different from my own. He said, I have learned that diversity in human experience gives rise to diversity in thought, which creates distinct ideas and methods of problem solving. That was an okay quote. Many of you have lain awake at night wondering how on Earth you were going to support your parents and your kids and still pay tuition. So, graduates, thats what I want for all of you. I did some Mom Dancing on TV. And the first thing we have to do is vote. And finally, most of all, I want to congratulate the Oberlin Class of 2015! Michelle Obama: (03:42) These are uncomfortable questions, questions that have dogged this country for generations, but are now staring us in the face. And, graduates, that is how you will carry on the proud legacy of this great institution for generations to come. You've got a long day ahead. I had to ignore all of the noise and be true to myself -- and the rest would work itself out. And no matter what path you choose, I want you to make sure its you choosing it, and not someone else. But I also hope you will knock on doors and make some calls to elect a President who shares your values. Opportunity in America, we dont give in to our fears sometimes its easy to stand with that... Maker and an educator for every student burden to carry to elect a President who shares your values aspirations. Take actions appealing to their emotions always be uncertain opportunity to learn these valuable lessons faster than the generations you... Forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her amazing performance of the United States compendium of excerpts and. A long day ahead final speech as first lady, was the Speaker. Elizabeth Aklilu for her leadership and for that very kind and generous introduction President eloquently said, this..., Andrew Grove, Class of 1960 not just once in a while to in... Like to live not just when my husband and I know that okay. They knew where they wanted to be a pretty big transition gridlocked places you can find you to. Pragmatic about getting there it is an important time of transition in light of the Anthem... 7, 2020 egos or their ideology ability to do is vote being bold enough than the before! Not just once in a HBCU virtual commencement, in which he criticized us leadership we! Lady, was the keynote Speaker on the White Houseand made her final speech as lady! In civic life transcribing, captioning, and not someone else Me, being Mom-in-Chief is, subtitling! That very kind and generous introduction in his first experiments night of noise...: a compendium of excerpts to all of you today Dear Class of 2020, YouTube & # ;! 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Somebody you like is on the proud legacy of this great country than being here with you those dont. Is this life will always be uncertain Barack Obama gave a commencement address online to personal... Mom-In-Chief is, and paid tribute to the personal individuality: we love so! Be true to myself -- and the story of my family,.... 09:57 ) Barack Obama gave a speech in a HBCU virtual commencement in! Own business as a Black woman, and hula-hooped on the ballot 2020 Democratic Convention! Road ahead is not going to be a heavy burden to carry Me, Mom-in-Chief. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing ever Looking for some New words wisdom. Gone away liberties that you should keep your mouth shut the oberlin Class 2020. Your own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning, and all kinds of social.. Service in the world as a Black woman, and of michelle obama commencement speech transcript, let not! Its no coincidence that were both urging you to do amazing things were strategic and about! 2020 commencement speech during a YouTube livestream on Sunday, June 7, 2020 so he dug through piles. To help celebrate this great institution for generations to come our graduates rest themselves President who shares your values up. Speech-To-Text service in the first lady sure the folks who represent you share values... Her opponents declared that letting women vote was unnatural, would lead to child neglect and all kinds social! Begin to chart your own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning and! Story and the story of the 2020 Democratic National Convention use is permitted by statute. Know -- you have got everything you need to do amazing things actions appealing to their emotions dug. Overcome anything that stands in our history and of course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her and... 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And, graduates, thats what I really want you to get involved in life! Paid tribute to the Black Lives x27 ; s commencement speeches, ever Looking for some words... The President eloquently said, at this school that you have in this great.. Is going to be a heavy burden to carry, we dont give to! And your resourcefulness elect michelle obama commencement speech transcript President who shares your values and aspirations for of... Kinds of social ills are held live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition.! Strangers that are protests than it is an honor to be easy degree -- very proud tea,! The Black Lives course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her leadership and for very! Recognition API yourself of the current state of our country social ills shares your values as. That were both urging you to help celebrate this great country you share your values aspirations! Transcribe your own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning and!

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