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Jimmy Williams
President Joe Biden delivered the commencement speech at Morehouse College on Sunday, marking his most direct engagement with college students since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This event provided Biden with a critical opportunity to connect with young Black men, a group showing signs of waning support.
In his speech, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to support Black Americans, mentioning a record $16 billion in new aid for historically Black colleges and universities. Addressing the pro-Palestinian sentiments among Morehouse students and faculty, he called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, more humanitarian aid, and support for a two-state solution.
“We’ve 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. I’m also working around the clock for more than just one cease-fire. I’m working to bring the region together. Working to build a lasting, durable peace,” Biden said.
During Biden’s speech, about six students turned their backs to him, though Biden did not directly acknowledge this. He spoke about the “anger and frustration” many Americans feel over the war, saying, “I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well. Leadership is about fighting through the most intractable problems. It’s about challenging anger, frustration, and heartbreak to find a solution. It’s about doing what you believe is right, even when it’s hard and lonely.”
Morehouse President David Thomas praised Biden’s speech, calling it “thought-provoking” and reflective of the president “listening.” Thomas then conferred an honorary doctorate degree onto Biden.
Protests during the commencement were peaceful. Some students and faculty expressed support for Gaza by wearing pro-Palestinian attire. Valedictorian DeAngelo Jeremiah Fletcher called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, aligning his stance with the legacy of Morehouse alumnus Martin Luther King Jr.
“It is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of Oct. 7,” Fletcher said. “From the comfort of our homes, we watch an unprecedented number of civilians mourn the loss of men, women, and children while calling for a release of all hostages. It is my stance as a Morehouse man named as a human being to call for an immediate and a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.”
Despite the protests, the ceremony remained orderly. Morehouse faculty member Samuel Livingston held up the flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo to highlight ongoing conflicts there. Graduating senior Sebastian Gordon expressed satisfaction with Biden’s remarks but emphasized the need for actions to match words.
The White House worked closely with Morehouse to manage concerns and ensure a peaceful event. Steve Benjamin, head of the White House Office of Public Engagement, met with students and faculty to address their concerns about Biden overshadowing their graduation.
Biden’s visit to Morehouse came as part of a broader effort to engage Black voters. His administration has recently sharpened its focus on this demographic, including meetings with plaintiffs from the Brown v. Board of Education case and leaders of historically Black sororities and fraternities.
As data suggests a decline in support among Black voters, particularly young ones, Biden’s speech at Morehouse was seen as a critical moment to make his case to this important voting bloc. “If you want … these students to vote in the fall for you, you have to give them something that shows that you are hearing them,” Morehouse professor Stephane Dunn said. “That you are trying to do something we haven’t heard about. This is the opportunity.”
