Now, Im not naive. Let me just say a few thank yous. Instead they will make assumptions about who they think you are based on their limited notion of the world. (Applause.) Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart. 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. And dont just ask yourselves these questions. You all, I mean, this has been the most fun I think I've had at a commencement ever. (Applause.) One said I exhibited a little bit of uppity-ism. Another noted that I was one of my husbands cronies of color. Cable news once charmingly referred to me as Obamas Baby Mama.. (Applause.) Many suffered verbal abuse at the hands of their instructors. Graduates this is how you can finish the work that the generations before you have started, by staying open and hopeful, even in the tough times. Michelle Obama: (14:05) And Im so proud of you both -- and to your families, congratulations. Graduates, its all important and we need every bit of it. I want you to act with both your mind, but also your heart. They built coalitions with folks like them and different from them. We see whats happening in stark relief. He did it because he ultimately wanted to help sharecroppers feed their families. 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. I had to ignore all of the noise and be true to myself -- and the rest would work itself out. ), And all of that is going to be a heavy burden to carry. But heres the thing -- our history provides us with a better story, a better blueprint for how we can win. (Applause.) 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. Ive seen you speaking out in gun violence and fight climate change. We want everything right awaywhether its an Uber or your favorite TV showand we want it tailored to our exact preferences and beliefs. 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. Read more. It did not define me. The world wont always see you in those caps and gowns. And those interactions have been such a critical part of your education at this school. But eventually, I realized that if I wanted to keep my sanity and not let others define me, there was only one thing I could do, and that was to have faith in Gods plan for me. These are the folks who pushed you and supported you. Finally, graduates, our greatness has never, ever come from sitting back and feeling entitled to what we have. Well done! How are you all doing? And finally, most of all, I want to congratulate the men and women of the Tuskegee University Class of 2015! (Laughter.). 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. Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow. Michelle Obama: (01:02) My life and so many of your lives are a testament of that truth. Recently . If you cant even approach the police without fearing for your life. Because here is the truth -- if you want to have a say in your community, if you truly want the power to control your own destiny, then youve got to be involved. And in so many ways, that never-failing miracle -- the constant work to rise above the bumps in our path to greater freedom for our brothers and sisters -- that has always been the story of African Americans here at Tuskegee. "Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us: sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed," Obama said . Thats just the way the process works. And, graduates, thats what we need from all of you. We will be there with you every step of the way. What inspires you? Remarks by the First Lady of the United States. But, graduates, as you all know, life will put many obstacles in your path that are far worse than a bad grade. (Applause.) Speech Michelle Obama, the former first lady, was the keynote speaker on the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention. And Im not going to lie to youfor many of you, this is going to be a pretty big transition. Weve both felt the sting of those daily slights throughout our entire lives -- the folks who crossed the street in fear of their safety; the clerks who kept a close eye on us in all those department stores; the people at formal events who assumed we were the help-- and those who have questioned our intelligence, our honesty, even our love of this country. Hey everybody. ), I also want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to pay tribute to all of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we could sit here today, at peace, with rights and freedoms that others around the world can only dream of. Now, yeah, it was satire, but if Im really being honest, it knocked me back a bit. And sometimes its almost impossible to move upward at all, because if youre required to work during a pandemic, but dont have enough protective equipment or health insurance from your employer or paid sick leave, what is more essential, your work or your life. Oberlin has separate application processes for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. No, no, I had my share of bumps along the way. And I want to be very clear: Every city ordinance, every ballot measure, every law on the books in this countrythat is your concern. Dr. King was angry. It deadens your spirit and it hardens your heart may seem like a winning strategy in the short run. First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the class of 2015. (Applause.) Its okay if you dont understand exactly what youre feeling, were all sorting through this in real time. But Ive come to realize that most of that clamor is really coming from just a handful of very loud folks out on the fringes. (Applause.) But when some of them got their first bad grade, they just fell apart. Dont be afraid. Not an excuse. They are smart enough to see through that noise, and they are so hungry for voices that rise above itsmart, compassionate, thoughtful voices like yours. And most of all, youve got yourselves -- and all of the heart, and grit, and smarts that got you to this day. This is it. But in every election at every level, all of the time. Hey, no, not just once in a while. Read the full transcript of Michelle Obama's Democratic National Convention speech Posted: Jul 26, 2016 / 08:02 AM CDT Updated: Jul 26, 2016 / 02:45 PM CDT (Applause.) Speeches & Remarks The White House Office of the First Lady For Immediate Release May 11, 2013 Remarks by the First Lady at Eastern Kentucky University Commencement Eastern Kentucky University Alumni Coliseum Richmond, Kentucky 8:21 P.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA: Thank you so much. In that role, I encountered students who had every advantage - their parents paid their full tuition, they lived in beautiful campus dorms. Below is the full text of the speech delivered by former President Barack Obama during "Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020." "Hi, everybody. 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. Youve worked hard for those seats! Well done! For those of you who feel invisible, please know that your story matters, your ideas matter, your experiences matter, your vision for what our world can and should be matters. And the answers to those questions have resulted in the woman who stands before you today. By channeling that discomfort you feel into activism and a democracy that was designed to respond to those who vote. Here they were, trained to operate some of the most complicated, high-tech machines of their day -- flying at hundreds of miles an hour, with the tips of their wings just six inches apart. Heres the last part. Over the years, Ive occasionally run into the noise myself. This is an important time of transition in light of the current state of our country. So I just want to take it all in. Shake things up. It is a lesson that most of us get the chance to learn over the course of years and years, even decades, but one that youre learning right now. I had to answer some basic questions for myself: Who am I? Michelle Obama actively used pathos in the commencement speech because her key message was that Spelman graduates needed not only to develop their personalities but also help others. Thank you -- thank you so much for this warm welcome, this tremendous hospitality. Just take the example of the great American lyricist, Ira Gershwin, who attended City College a century ago. Not here. Youll have unreasonable bosses and difficult clients and patients. 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. . Under Title 17 U.S.C. So many kids need you. 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. More progress on LGBT rights than any time in our history. Woo! I really am. They even threw prayer books at her as she tried to speak. It's a hard time, and everyone's feeling. You may also be feeling some real anxiety about venturing out into the world beyond these walls. A few years later, when George Washington Carver first came here for his research, there was no laboratory. This is historical material frozen in time. (Applause.) They are not an excuse to lose hope. They knew that our policies matter. (Applause.) 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. ), I also have to recognize the Concert Choir. Ive seen you marching with peace and with purpose and that is why even in tough times like these, you continue to be what gives me hope. And thats, as the President said, why Im here today. And, graduates, that is how you will carry on the proud legacy of this great institution for generations to come. 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. Sponsors. I am so proud to honor these American heroes todayand every dayfor their extraordinary service to our nation. Okay, youre bright. MRS. OBAMA: Wow! Those Airmen who rose above brutal discrimination -- they did it so the whole world could see just how high black folks could soar. Graduates, today -- today, you can mentor a young person and make sure he or she takes the right path. Its the news, without the news. 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. (Laughter and applause.) Probably not. They didnt just give up and retreat to the comfortable company of like-minded folks, because they understood that this is how democracy operates. The student-led initiative to have her speak included a YouTube video, Facebook campaign and more than 900 Valentine's Day cards. Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. I want to recognize Major General Williams; Congresswoman Sewell; Zachary; Kalauna; to all of the trustees, the faculty, the staff here at Tuskegee University. SOAPStone Speaker: Michelle Obama Occasion: City College . (Applause.) You have to persuade them, and you have to compromise with them. Because heres the thing -- the road ahead is not going to be easy. Do you know when your primary elections are held? I cant wait to see how high you soar. Obama spoke . Because in this country, its never been each person for themselves. It means adding your voice to our national conversation, speaking out for our most cherished values of liberty, opportunity, inclusion, and respect - the values that youve been living here at this school. Beyonc delivered a special message to graduates during YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 broadcast. 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.) It is loud and messy, and its not particularly warm and fuzzy. Thank you. They seem to view our diversity as a threat to be contained rather than as a resource to be tapped. No, here in America, we dont let our differences tear us apart. Youve got the knowledge and the skills honed here on this hallowed campus. (Applause.) The tough part is nobody has all the answers. Peloton: Get a great cardio workout at home with the Peloton Bike!Right now Peloton has a limited-time offer: get $100 off accessories when you purchase the Peloton Bike! Commencement Speeches First Lady Michelle Obama at Bowie State University Commencement First lady Michelle Obama delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of. I dont think so. (Laughter.) So really, it is no accident that this institution has produced 10 Nobel Prize winners -- (applause) -- along with countless captains of industry, cultural icons, leaders at the highest levels of government. (Applause.) That is the power of our differences to make us smarter and more creative. In tones both aspirational and political, Michelle Obama on Friday used her last commencement address as first lady to salute graduates of the City College of New York as "living, breathing. 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. And Id like to begin today by reflecting on that history -- starting back at the time when the Army chose Tuskegee as the site of its airfield and flight school for black pilots. There will always be those who want to keep you silent. We can take on those deep-rooted problems, and together -- together -- we can overcome anything that stands in our way. Surely their kids could go to school together. How are you all doing? And heres what I really want you to know -- you have got everything you need to do this. Full Transcript of Michelle Obama's D.N.C. And youve taken so many different paths to this moment. Think about those students who made bricks with their bare hands. That is not what this country stands for. What kinds of issues would I take on? So, graduates, thats what I want for all of you. To have you be seen, but not heard. 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. (Applause.) Mike Judge on crooked paths UCSD Commencement 2009: Mike Judge Patrick meehan would sign of michelle obama signed. You represent just about every possible background - every color and culture, every faith and walk of life. 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. She said she accepted as she was moved by the sincerity and creativity of the appeal. Translated on-screen subtitles for videos. Its the story of the son of Polish immigrants named Jonas Salk who toiled for years in a lab until he discovered a vaccine that saved countless lives. As many of you know, I grew up in a working class family in Chicago. (Applause.). And all of this used to really get to me. Well done. And that is why I wanted to be here today at City College. Michelle Obama's speech came more than a year after the university's 260-piece band marched in the inaugural parade for her husband, the nation's first black president. So on behalf of your students, I just want to show you all some love today, as well. (Applause.) And I want to thank President Tatum for her leadership and for that very kind and generous introduction. Youve got it in you. (Applause.) What ideas are we missing? 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. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. (Applause.) That leads me to my second lesson, in an uncertain world time tested values like honesty and integrity, empathy and compassion. Not just when my husband or somebody you like is on the ballot. You prepare to continue your journey on the clamorous highways of life.. But just like all those folks who came before us, youve got to do something to lay the groundwork for future generations. CNN Read former first lady Michelle Obama's speech from the 2020 Democratic National Convention, as prepared for delivery: Good evening, everyone. Today, you can help your younger cousin fill out her college financial aid form so that she could be sitting in those chairs one day. You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. People screamed at her. Now, did these compromises make these leaders sellouts? (Applause. But that has only happened because folks like all of you left their comfort zones and made their voices heard. Maybe they dont even want to see you at all, but those people dont know your story. First Lady Michelle Obama delivered one of her final commencement speeches to the Santa Fe Indian School Thursday. (Applause.) And here in America, we dont give in to our fears. And get out and vote in every electionnot just the big national ones that get all the attention, but every single election. 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. It is beyond a pleasure and an honor for me to be here with all of you today. See, this is my very last commencement address as First Lady of the United States. 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. (Applause.) Oh, my goodness. Ask your friends, your family, ask everyone you see in your neighborhood. When they ventured off base, the white sheriff here in town called them boy and ticketed them for the most minor offenses. ), And, graduates, I think we should give another shout-out to your families, of course, all the families. 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. Spencer Platt / Getty Images. Published May 16, 2010 Updated on May 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm. They had every material possession a college kid could want - cars, computers, spending money. Today, I want to urge you to actively seek out the most contentious, polarized, gridlocked places you can find. If you listen to them, then nothing will ever change. Youve got it. Michelle Obama Commencement Speech Transcript 2020, Congressional Testimony & Hearing Transcripts. 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