Staff Reports
President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he emphasized the importance of race and touched upon hot-button issues such as the war in Gaza. Despite concerns about potential disruptions following anti-Israel protests at other campuses, the event proceeded without incident. Biden congratulated the graduates, noting the historic significance of receiving a degree from Morehouse College.
In his address, Biden reflected on the influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, attributing his own decision to enter public service to the impact of King’s assassination in 1968. He emphasized the profound impact of King’s legacy regardless of race, sharing the personal influence it had on his own career choices.
The President also highlighted the diversity within his administration, citing the appointments of Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first black woman on the Supreme Court and Vice President Kamala Harris as the first black, female vice president. He expressed pride in these milestones and predicted that a Morehouse graduate could potentially serve on the Supreme Court in the future.
Biden acknowledged student protests concerning the war in Gaza and assured that he heard their concerns. He also touted his administration’s policies on race and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), pledging significant financial support for these institutions.
Additionally, Biden criticized voting laws in Georgia, specifically citing the restriction on providing water to individuals waiting in line to vote. He condemned attacks on black election workers and insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol, while also taking a direct swipe at former President Donald Trump for his derogatory remarks about illegal immigrants.
Biden invokes race in speech at Morehouse College graduation https://t.co/J2OKmbmB9f
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 20, 2024
Overall, President Biden’s address at Morehouse College showcased his commitment to addressing racial issues and advancing policies to support minority communities.
