During a commencement speech at Morehouse College, President Joe Biden highlighted a stark division in how different political factions see America’s future.
He stated, “Republicans don’t see you in the future of America,” addressing the graduating seniors without directly naming any political figures or parties, hinting at former President Donald Trump and his supporters.
Biden’s Speech Amidst Historical Context
President Biden delivered his speech at Morehouse College, a historically black, all-male institution known for its significant role in American history.
While he did not explicitly name Donald Trump or the Republican Party, his references to the events of January 6 made it clear who he was discussing, adding a layer of historical significance to his address.
Defining Patriots and Critiquing Actions
President Biden strongly criticized the actions of those involved in the January 6 insurrection, particularly noting their use of Confederate flags.
He declared, “Insurrectionists who stormed the capitol with Confederate flags are called patriots by some. Not in my house.”
Acknowledging the Defenders of Democracy
In his address, President Biden paid tribute to the black police officers and veterans who defended the Capitol during the January 6 events.
He highlighted the racial abuse they endured, emphasizing the contrast between their heroic actions and the derogatory terms used against them.
The Impact of Extremism on Opportunities
The president accused extremists of closing doors of opportunity for black Americans, particularly criticizing their efforts to dismantle affirmative action and undermine values of diversity, equality, and inclusion.
He reassured the graduates by saying, “They don’t see you in the future of America, but they’re wrong.”
Emphasizing the Role of Black History in America
In his speech, President Biden made a strong statement about the integral role of black Americans in the nation’s history and future, asserting, “We know black history is American history. We know black men are going to lead us into the future.”
This assertion was meant to inspire the graduates and recognize their potential impact.
Biden’s Stance Against Book Bans
Addressing current educational controversies, President Biden expressed his concerns about national efforts to ban books, aiming to erase rather than correct historical narratives.
“I never thought I would be president at a time when there’s a national effort to ban books. Not to right history but to erase history,” he remarked.
Connecting Personal Loss to National Resilience
President Biden shared his personal experiences of loss, referring to them as his “Saturdays,” a time of despair similar to the despair felt by Christ’s disciples before the resurrection.
He connected these personal moments to broader national challenges, illustrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Addressing Global Issues
During the ceremony, while celebrating the graduates’ achievements, Biden acknowledged ongoing global conflicts
President Biden described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’ and reaffirmed his commitment to finding a peaceful solution, emphasizing the global implications of local events.
Subtle Demonstrations of Solidarity at Commencement
As the graduates participated in the commencement, some displayed subtle signs of support for civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
These gestures indicated a broader awareness and concern among the students about global issues.
Presidential Engagement with Morehouse College
Before delivering his speech, President Biden met with Morehouse staff and students.
These interactions highlighted the administration’s focus on direct engagement with educational institutions and their students.
Reflections on the Significance of the Day
Despite the celebratory nature of the day, there was an undercurrent of concern that political figures might overshadow the graduates’ achievements.
However, Biden aimed to keep the focus on the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their success and contributions to American society. “It’s not about me, it’s about the alternative as well,” he stated during the address.
