Former President Barack Obama gave a virtual commencement address to students attending historically black colleges and universities across the country, Saturday, for the “Show Me Your Walk” virtual commencement.
Bill Pugliano / Getty Images
Obama spoke about the COVID-19 outbreak and the government’s handling of the crisis: “A disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities,” he said.
The former president also went on to reference the killing of Ahmaud Arbery saying, “Just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning. Injustice like this isn’t new.”
“No generation has been better positioned to be warriors for justice and remake the world,” Obama told students. “Your participation in this democracy, your courage to stand up for what’s right, your willingness to forge coalitions, these actions will speak volumes. And if you’re inactive, that will also speak volumes.”
Check out the commencement address for yourself here.
[Via]