A Memorable Day! President Biden Awarded Honorary Degree At Morehouse College (Videos)
President Joe Biden has been awarded an honorary degree while attending Morehouse Collegeâs recent graduation ceremony. The event was reportedly filled with various reactions from students.
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Morehouse Collegeâs Valedictorian Delivers Statements On Gaza
According to Teen Vogue, President Biden popped out for the ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, May 19. Before he took the stage, Morehouseâs valedictorian, DeAngelo Fletcher, delivered his speech.
Fletcher reportedly called for an âimmediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip.â
Furthermore, the valedictorian was reportedly met with applause from the attendees and Biden.
âIt is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of October 7,â he explained. âFrom the comfort of our homes, we watch an unprecedented number of civilians mourn the loss of men, women, and children while calling for the release of all hostages. For the first time in our lives, weâve heard the global community sing one harmonious song that transcends language and culture. It is my stance as a Morehouse man, nay as a human being, to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza strip.â
Watch Fletcherâs statements and Bidenâs reaction below.
President Biden Takes The Stage As Students Reportedly React
According to the outlet, as President Biden took to the stage to deliver his remarks, Morehouse alumni received him with a standing ovation. However, some students reportedly remained seated, gave Biden their backs, or walked out of the event entirely, per Teen Vogue.
When Biden is introduced to give Morehouse College commencement speech, almost all alumni standup, but almost none of the students stand pic.twitter.com/PUyB1GNxtO
â Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) May 19, 2024
According to the New York Times, Bidenâs speech was not interrupted. Additionally, 11Alive reports that the president explained that he supports âpeaceful, nonviolent protest.â
âI want to say this very clearly.  I support peaceful, nonviolent protest,â he said, per 11Alive. âYour voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them⊠I determined to make my⊠administration look like AmericaâŠâ
From there, Biden went on to call the events in Gaza and Israel âheartbreaking.â
âThatâs why Iâve called for an immediate ceasefire â an immediate ceasefire to stop the fighting⊠[and] bring the hostages home,â he said. âAnd Iâve been working on a deal as we speak, working around the clock to lead an international effort to get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza. Iâm also working around the clock for more than just one ceasefire. Iâm working to bring the region together. Iâm working to build a lasting, durable peace.â
Outside of his thoughts on Gaza and Israel, Biden reportedly addressed domestic issues.
Watch as the president is given his Morehouse honorary degree, and swipe to see one studentâs reaction during his speech.
Morehouse Collegeâs President Recently Made Headlines With A Pre-Event Warning
As The Shade Room previously reported, David A. Thomas, Morehouse Collegeâs president, made headlines last week. At the time, Thomas explained that he wanted attendees to âenjoyâ Morehouseâs upcoming commencement ceremony.
However, he wanted to make it clear that âdisruptive behavior that prevents the ceremony or services from proceedingâ would not be tolerated.
Ultimately, Thomas explained that he would âceaseâ the ceremony âon the spotâ if the ceremony and President Bidenâs appearance were interrupted.
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