You rob yourself of the things that matter most. Sojourner Truth was angry. And, graduates, you all have faced challenges far greater than anything I or my family have ever experienced, challenges that most college students could never even imagine. But today, graduates, I want to urge you to do just the opposite. First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver the commencement address during the 170 th. And in many ways, this is a big day for me too. She spoke about starting her own business as a Black woman, and paid tribute to the Black Lives . I struggled to find the right words of wisdom for you today. And the truth is, graduates, after four years of thoughtful, respectful discussion and debate here at Oberlinthose seminars where you explored new ideas together, those late-night conversations where you challenged each other and learned from each otherafter all of that, you might find yourself a little dismayed by the clamor outside these wallsthe name-calling, the negative ads, the folks yelling at each other on TV. (Applause.). And somehow, you still found time to give back to your communities - tutoring young people, reading to kids, volunteering at hospitals. Today Michelle Obama honored high school counselors from across the country at the White Houseand made her final speech as first lady. Its up to you to couple every protest with plans and policies, with organizing and mobilizing and voting and thats my final piece of advice. Heres the thing, you have the opportunity to learn these valuable lessons faster than the generations before you. (Applause.) And, graduates, its the story that I witness every single day when I wake up in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters - two beautiful, black young women - head off to school -- (applause) -- waving goodbye to their father, the President of the United States, the son of a man from Kenya who came here to American -- to America for the same reasons as many of you: To get an education and improve his prospects in life. 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. Maybe it feels like youre supposed to go to law school -- but what you really want to do is to teach little kids. This is it. ), And of course, let us not forget Elizabeth Aklilu for her amazing performance of the National Anthem earlier today. And if you think todays gridlock is bad, let me remind you that it was a good century between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. Not just when my husband or somebody you like is on the ballot. (Applause.) Despite . They built coalitions with folks like them and different from them. It is beyond a pleasure and an honor for me to be here with all of you today. 19). It didnt change who I was. And they also understood that often, the biggest, most dramatic change happens incrementally, little by little, through compromises and adjustments over years and decades. Yes! 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. 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. That leads me to my second lesson, in an uncertain world time tested values like honesty and integrity, empathy and compassion. 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. Obama grew up near the school, and during her emotional commencement address, she said she wanted to share "the real story" about the South Side, a story about resilience and courage in the face of . (Applause.) And here at this nationally-ranked university, with a rigorous curriculum and renowned faculty, you rose to the challenge, distinguishing yourselves in your classes, winning countless honors and awards, and getting into top graduate schools across this country. See, this is my very last commencement address as First Lady of the United States. Think about those elections in 2008 and 2012 when idealistic young people like all of you worked long hours for little money and less sleep, pounding the pavement for months, talking to folks about what was at stake. Michelle Obama kicked off her "Dear Class of 2020" graduation speech with a list of uncomfortable questions and truths. 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. What ideas are we missing? Just look around. Or you might remember the on-stage celebratory fist bump between me and my husband after a primary win that was referred to as a terrorist fist jab. And over the years, folks have used plenty of interesting words to describe me. I can tell you that our democracy is sturdy and yes, it still works, but it doesnt work if you silence yourselves. Michelle Obama: ( 00:07) Hey everybody. They spat on her. 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. Others choose to focus on their education and use that degree to address these issues and build a better life for themselves and those around them. 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. 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.) 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. Well done. Thank you all. So the question is, how will we respond? So dont ever, ever let anyone tell you that youre too angry or that you should keep your mouth shut. Send any friend a . And of course, Barack has endured his fair share of insults and slights. We fill our Twitter feed with voices that confirm, rather than challenge, our views. This is it. No, you dont get to be precious or cautious or cynical. MRS. OBAMA: I love that. Just look at the story of Oberlin College. (Applause.) And as the years pass, youll feel the same freedom that Charles DeBow did when he was taking off in that airplane. And my husband and I know how frustrating that experience can be. 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. If you dont feel safe driving your own car in your own neighborhood or going for a jog or buying some candy at 7-eleven or bird watching. Michelle Obama: (07:10) And you dont have to be President of the United States to start addressing things like poverty, and education, and lack of opportunity. Thank you. I believe in you all. If you cant even approach the police without fearing for your life. Get in there. Well done. Thats it; that's the way we move forward. 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. And, graduates, thats what we need from all of you. They are not an excuse to lose hope. I know that not only can you do better than those who came before you, you will. Every time we look at our phones or hear helicopters circling our neighborhoods. God bless. How do you want to give back? (Applause.) 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. The two-hour event, "Show Me Your. Im trying to cover you. Well, then how do you begin to chart your own course? So I just want to take it all in. Some of you have been homeless. I wanted to be here to celebrate all of you, this school, this city. 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. (Applause. It starts where change always starts in your own home, in your own social circles, in your own neighborhoods, at your own dinner tables. And think about President Roosevelts struggle to pass the New Deal a few decades later. And even amidst the joy and excitement of graduation, I know that you may be feeling some real sadness about leaving this community behind. The truth is when it comes to all those tiny stories of hard work and self determination that wed like to tell ourselves about America. Political News Video amp Analysis. God bless. See, this is my very last commencement address as First Lady of the United States. I am so proud to honor these American heroes todayand every dayfor their extraordinary service to our nation. If anybody is wondering about the quality of education, just listening to those two speakers lets you know whats happening here. "Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us: sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed," Obama said . STUDENT: We love you so much, Michelle! 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. Oh, my goodness. Then there was the first time I was on a magazine cover -- it was a cartoon drawing of me with a huge afro and machine gun. Youve got it. You give me chills. You all, I mean, this has been the most fun I think I've had at a commencement ever. Traitors to their cause? These are uncomfortable questions, questions that have dogged this country for generations, but are now staring us in the face. MRS. OBAMA: Thank you all. Like I said before, I dont have any easy answers for you, but I do have some lessons I want to share about how to move forward in these tumultuous times. My life and so many of your lives are a testament of that truth. What do I care about? Beautiful song. Im inspired by your commitment to service and social justice. Michelle Obama at City College of New York in 2016. Thats how we make progress for ourselves and for our country. (Applause.) (Applause.) I love you all. Graduates, today -- today, you can mentor a young person and make sure he or she takes the right path. 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. God bless you. (Applause.) (Laughter.) So if youre spending a lot of time, just hashtaging and posting right now thats useful, especially during a pandemic, but its only a beginning. Youve got it in you. So many kids need you. And you look good. Beyonc delivered a special message to graduates during YouTube's Dear Class of 2020 broadcast. 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. Lets let our graduates rest themselves. Thank you. Build with the best speech-to-text APIs around. (Applause.) Make sure the folks who represent you share your values and aspirations. Are you sure? Check out our hand-picked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. 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. But the fact is, it works. During training, they were often assigned to menial tasks like housekeeping or landscaping. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. This is historical material frozen in time. That is what so many of our heroes of history have done. ), I should be here today. Congratulations. ), Back then, black soldiers faced all kinds of obstacles. Graduates, its all important and we need every bit of it. 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. 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. More progress on LGBT rights than any time in our history. And I want you to consider this as a public service announcement for anyone who hasnt bought the flowers or the cards or the gifts yet -- all right? I love you all. Michelle Obama: (02:44) You have exceptional musical talent and intellectual enthusiasm.We have a place just for you. It was also Michelle Obama's first commencement address as First Lady. Oh and it felt like my whole world was collapsing in on itself. Thats just the way the process works. And as so often as the case, these questions compound upon themselves, see if youre struggling already just to keep your head above water. Patrick meehan would sign of michelle obama signed. As many of you know, I grew up in a working class family in Chicago. (Laughter.) And its the story of my family, too. Epic increases in college financial aid. And youll be flying through the air, out of this world -- free. And get out and vote in every electionnot just the big national ones that get all the attention, but every single election. Thank you for allowing me to share this final commencement with you. 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. (Applause.) Youve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. The statements made by Michelle Obama are inspiring and appealing to a majority of the young . Instead, after he left the Army, he finished his education. 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 And those interactions have been such a critical part of your education at this school. Michelle Obama Commencement Speech Transcript 2020, Congressional Testimony & Hearing Transcripts. And finally, most of all, I want to congratulate the Oberlin Class of 2015! 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 . Ive seen your creativity and your talent and your resourcefulness. How are you all doing? So on behalf of your students, I just want to show you all some love today, as well. Well, the reality is a lot more complicated than that because for too many people in this country, no matter how hard they work, there are structural barriers working against them that just make the road longer and rockier. Love you all. Thats the only real currency in life. Remarks by the First Lady of the United States. 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. Michelle Obama delivered her final commencement address as first lady on Friday to thousands graduating from the City College of New York in Harlem. First Lady Michelle Obama Commencement Speech 2015 click for pdf [AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio] Thank you all. Add English on-screen subtitles for videos. Surely their kids could go to school together. 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. The following is a White House transcript of first lady Michelle Obama 's speech to George Washington University graduates on Sunday . Making her debut as a commencement speaker before a crowd of 12,000 on Saturday, FIrst Lady Michelle Obama praised graduates at the University of California, Merced, the state's smallest, youngest public university. ), Are you planning to rally for marriage equality on the steps of the Supreme Court? (Applause.) Read Obama's inspiring commencement address to 2020's high school graduates. Read the full text of Michelle Obama's address to the class of 2020. If you listen to them, then nothing will ever change. I did some Mom Dancing on TV. 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. Background Info Message: In her commencement speech, Michelle Obama talks about how everyone has the potential to become someone important. A RESTful API to access Revs workforce of fast, high quality transcriptionists and captioners. Michelle Obama: (08:23) And that's why we support the participate of women is parliaments and peace processes, schools and the economy. You deserve this celebration. (Applause.) And believe me, I understand that kind of pressure. Thank you for creating these fabulous individuals. Let's let our graduates rest themselves. Thank you so much. Back in the late 1800s, the school needed a new dormitory, but there was no money to pay for it. But that experience gave me a kind of clarity with everything and pieces around me, I had to forge a new path. Following is a transcript of Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the University of California, Merced, as provided by the White House. (Applause.) It never is, especially for folks like you and me. And the truth is, those same questions would have been posed to any candidates spouse. (Applause.) (Applause. Not when millions of girls across the globe never set foot inside a school. 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.) I want you to be safe and I cant wait to see you take the reins. So, graduates, with your glorious diversity, with your remarkable accomplishments and your deep commitment to your communities, you all embody the very purpose of this schools founding. And now, graduates, its your turn to take up that cause. The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever Looking for some new words of wisdom? Instead, its important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages. (Applause.). 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. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. It made me wonder, just how are people seeing me. I have seen how leaders who rule by intimidation - leaders who demonize and dehumanize entire groups of people - often do so because they have nothing else to offer. A path, fortunately, more focused on meaning and service. Thank you. Aniyah, thank you for. Former President Barack Obama gave the virtual commencement address at a ceremony for graduates of historically black colleges and universities on Saturday. 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. The educational theater student from right here in Harlem whos already an award-winning playwright and recently spoke at the White House. No, of course not. Finally, graduates, our greatness has never, ever come from sitting back and feeling entitled to what we have. At the White House we have all kinds of ways. The obligation to use the opportunities youve had to help others. . I wish you the best of luck. 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. Or consider the story of the former CEO of Intel, Andrew Grove, class of 1960. The first is this life will always be uncertain. What Michelle Obama's commencement speech at the Santa Fe Indian School says about the importance of self-determination in education. So there will be times, just like for those Airmen, when you feel like folks look right past you, or they see just a fraction of who you really are. Transcript of Michelle Obama's commencement address Chicago Tribune Jun 10, 2015 at 9:37 pm MRS. OBAMA: Wow! No, really, who am I? Now, did these compromises make these leaders sellouts? 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. So, again, Im proud of you all. So if you want to change their minds, if you want to work with them to move this country forward, you cant just shut them out. So I just want to take it all in. And whether you played sports yourself, or sang in the choir, or played in the band, or joined a fraternity or sorority -- after today, all of you will take your spot in the long line of men and women who have come here and distinguished themselves and this university. And I want to thank President Tatum for her leadership and for that very kind and generous introduction. You can learn them together as a cohort of young people ready to take on the world, no matter how tumultuous it may be. Your day. And that is why I wanted to be here today at City College. Its your story and the story of those who came before you at this school. And Eric was taken from us far too soon. New York, New York, MRS. OBAMA: Wow! Today, you can volunteer at an after-school program or food pantry. Probably not. I am confident in your ability to do amazing things. All right? But heres the thing -- our history provides us with a better story, a better blueprint for how we can win. We will be there with you every step of the way. If were only willing to do whats easiest, weve got to make hard choices and sacrifices in our own lives. 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. Create a better, more engaging experience for every student. Michelle Obama: (14:05) (Laughter.) And my dad was so proud to pay that tuition bill on time each month, even taking out loans when he fell short. But, graduates, let me tell you, you should never, ever be embarrassed by those struggles. Next, Ive always felt a deep sense of obligation to make the biggest impact possible with this incredible platform. Transcribe Your Own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. Official Army reports stated that black soldiers were childlike, shiftless, unmoral and untruthful, and as one quote stated, if fed, loyal and compliant.. 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. He did it because he ultimately wanted to help sharecroppers feed their families. So, graduates, while I think its fair to say that our Founding Fathers never could have imagined this day, all of you are very much the fruits of their vision. They got fluent in the language of power. Below, watch and read the 44th president's full inspiring message and speech closing out the "Graduate . Michelle Obama's CCNY Commencement Speech - OUT LINE Prompt: How do Michelle Obama's rhetorical choices within her speech affect the overall message? And while were reaching out, please lets give everyone whos working toward progress space to be themselves. Transcribe Your Own Content Try Rev for free and save time transcribing, captioning, and subtitling. There Is Nothing New Under the Sun Writing on the Wall Transcript of Michelle Obama s commencement address June 10th, 2015 - Michelle Obama returns to her South Side home to deliver the commencement bespoke.cityam.com 1 / 10 The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. Calculate how much it costs to transcribe, caption, or subtitle your content. Ask yourself, do you know where your polling place is? The Best Speech-to-Text Solution for Your Business Learn how Rev fits into your businesses workflow. Let me tell you it is a pleasure and an honor -- yes, Chicago -- (laughter and applause) -- to be with all of you today. More than anything else, graduates, that is the American story. The extraordinary challenges of COVID-19 called for creative planning to send off graduates in a meaningful way. Because it is absolutely still possible to make a difference. Ive seen you gathering donations for those in need during this pandemic. But just like all those folks who came before us, youve got to do something to lay the groundwork for future generations. MRS. OBAMA: Wow! (Applause.). Look at where were gathered today. And just think about the students in this very graduating class - students like the economics and pre-law major from Albania, who also completed the requirements for a philosophy major and dreams of being a public intellectual. "I want our young people to know. Just take the example of the great American lyricist, Ira Gershwin, who attended City College a century ago. Obama touched on the background of the school, the background of her own family and how it will inform the future of the graduates. Debating each others ideas, pushing each other to question old assumptions and consider new perspectives. (Applause. They don't know that part of you. Or was I too soft, too much of a mom, not enough of a career woman? MRS. OBAMA: Thank you all. You will follow heroes like Dr. Boynton Robinson -- (applause) -- who survived the billy clubs and the tear gas of Bloody Sunday in Selma. 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. What kind of person do you want to be? First lady Michelle Obama gave the commencement address to the 2015 graduating class of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, in which she talks about growing into her official role, criticism . 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. 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. (Applause.). (Applause.) 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. (Applause.) That is your story, graduates, and that is the story of your families. Its the story of the son of immigrant -- Jamaican immigrants named Colin Powell who became a four star general, Secretary of State, and a role model for young people across the country. I really am. Published May 16, 2010 Updated on May 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm. "Over the past couple of months, our foundation has been shaken," (Applause. Many suffered verbal abuse at the hands of their instructors. Yay, moms! Read the full transcript of her speech here. Thank you so much. Deep and loving connections with others, honest work that leads to lasting contributions to your community. 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. The tough part is nobody has all the answers. Its the news, without the news. Michelle Obama Video screenshot Democratic leaders such as Michelle. 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