President Biden is set to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College as protests disrupt graduation ceremonies across the country. This speech is seen as an opportunity for Biden to bolster his support among Black voters in anticipation of the 2024 election. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed that Biden had been carefully crafting his remarks with senior advisors. She emphasized that the speech will aim to uplift future leaders and address the future of the country and the communities they represent.
Biden’s appearance at Morehouse College comes shortly after he announced $16 billion in new funding for historically Black colleges and universities nationwide, specifically mentioning Morehouse in his remarks. The college was founded after the Civil War to aid Black Americans in transitioning from slavery to freedom through education. However, the college itself has been experiencing unrest, with students divided over Biden’s presence at the graduation ceremony. Some students plan to silently protest during Biden’s speech by turning their backs on him, citing objections to his foreign policy decisions.
Critics of Biden’s upcoming speech at Morehouse College argue that it is inappropriate given his actions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One student expressed feeling insulted by Biden’s visit to the historically Black college during an election year, suggesting that it is an attempt to gain support from Black voters. This sentiment is echoed by hundreds of Morehouse alumni who called for the invitation to Biden to be rescinded earlier in the year. Students and faculty have accused Biden of supporting Israeli “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza, which has further fueled opposition to his address at the college.
The controversy surrounding Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College highlights the intersection of politics, race, and foreign policy. The speech is viewed as a critical moment for Biden to connect with Black voters and address their concerns, particularly in light of recent events in the Middle East. Biden’s administration’s support for historically Black colleges and universities is part of a broader effort to address racial disparities in education and advance opportunities for minority students. However, the dissent among students and alumni at Morehouse underscores the complex challenges facing the Biden administration in building and maintaining support within marginalized communities.
As Biden prepares to address Morehouse College graduates, the protests and dissent surrounding his visit serve as a reminder of the tensions and divisions present in society. The pushback against Biden’s appearance reflects broader debates about social justice, foreign policy, and the role of elected officials in addressing systemic inequalities. The outcome of Biden’s speech at Morehouse will likely have implications for his relationship with Black voters and the broader public as he navigates future political challenges. It remains to be seen how Biden will respond to the criticisms and concerns raised by the Morehouse community and whether his address will resonate with the graduating class and alumni.
