President Joe Biden delivered a poignant and heartfelt keynote commencement speech at Howard University’s 2023 graduation ceremony held in Washington, D.C. With the backdrop of a nation grappling with profound questions of identity and belief, the president emphasized the urgent need to combat hate, racism, and white supremacy. Addressing a diverse audience of over 2,000 graduates and their families at the Capital One Arena, President Biden identified these issues as primary domestic threats facing the country today.
Howard University, a historically Black institution founded in 1867, holds a significant place in America’s educational landscape. Having bestowed more than 100,000 degrees across various disciplines, the university has played a pivotal role in producing generations of accomplished Black professionals in fields ranging from medicine and law to music and engineering. President Biden’s presence as the seventh sitting American chief executive to deliver a commencement speech at Howard further underscored the institution’s enduring significance.
During his speech, President Biden reflected on the nation’s progress and setbacks in the realm of racial equality. Referencing the tragic events of civil unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, he vividly recalled the rise of far-right extremists and the chilling display of white supremacist ideology. With unwavering conviction, he emphasized the importance of standing against hate and the need to confront it head-on. President Biden’s remarks highlighted the role of education in shaping a more inclusive society and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for justice.
The president also underscored his unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights and the necessity of rejecting political extremism. Emphasizing the need to protect fundamental rights and freedoms for all, President Biden called for affordable healthcare, housing, and equality for transgender children. He condemned efforts to erode Black history and censor vital voices, emphasizing the importance of preserving an accurate historical narrative. In his address, he also touched on the urgent need for criminal justice reform and the administration’s commitment to advancing police accountability measures.
President Biden’s speech at Howard University’s graduation resonated deeply with the Class of 2023, who witnessed his impassioned call for unity and progress. His address, firmly grounded in the university’s values of empowerment and equality, served as a reminder of the ongoing battle for the soul of the nation. By encouraging graduates to be agents of change, President Biden emphasized that the struggle against hate and injustice requires collective action and a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice for all.