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Barack and Michelle Obama will give commencement speeches for the entire Class of 2020

This is his first commencement speech since Obama left office

Written by
Sarah Medina
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Virtual celebrations for the graduating Class of 2020 have started to pull in big names like Oprah, Miley Cyrus and more, but one name has been on the top of the wishlist since this whole thing started: Barack Obama.

Well, YouTube's "Dear Class of 2020" special not only managed to pull in the former President but Michelle Obama too!

On June 6, the Obamas will be joined by additional commencement speakers including former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, CEO of Alphabet and Google Sundar Pichai, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Malala Yousafzai. The celebratory weekend also includes appearances from BTS and Lady Gaga as well as performances at a virtual grad night afterparty.

Obama wrote on Instagram, "I’ve always loved joining commencements––the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Even if we can’t get together in person this year, Michelle and I are excited to celebrate the nationwide Class of 2020 and recognize this milestone with you and your loved ones." 

Michelle Obama added, "I know that none of you imagined you would be closing this chapter of your life through a computer or phone screen. But I still want to make sure you still get the celebration you deserve." 
View this post on Instagram

To the #Classof2020, I know how hard you all have worked to make it to graduation. You’ve put in long hours studying. You’ve thrown yourself into extracurricular activities and after-school jobs. And you’ve done everything you can to be there for your friends through it all. Some of you will be the first in your families to graduate from high school or college, making this occasion all the more special. And I know that none of you imagined you would be closing this chapter of your life through a computer or phone screen. But I still want to make sure you still get the celebration you deserve. That’s why, through my @reachhigher Initiative, I’m working with @youtube Originals to host a special virtual graduation for you on June 6th. Whether you’re graduating from high school, college, or any other kind of school––we want you, your family, and all of your loved ones to be a part of this celebration. And we want to do this right for all of you, so I’ll be inviting some very special guests—including @BarackObama—to help ring in this momentous day. RSVP here bit.ly/RHGraduation and then tune in on June 6th at yt.be/classof2020. #ReachHigher

A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on

President Obama will also appear on a primetime special for high school students called "Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020" on May 16, which will air on all major networks and online as well as a "Show Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition" celebration on the same day. 

Three opportunities to hear the Obamas speak? We'll be logging into each one.  

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