In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, most commencement ceremonies have been postponed or cancelled altogether. Thanks to YouTube, however, this year’s college graduates were acknowledged on a grand scale.
During YouTube’s Original “Dear Class of 2020” event, public figures, celebrities, and music greats alike came together (while apart) to celebrate graduates across the nation.
The event included messages from the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Alicia Keys, BTS, and many others.
Artists including Camila Cabello, Noah Cyrus, Khalid, and Maluma performed special tributes.
The messages were heartfelt and honest, with a consistent theme: this generation must be the one to change the world.
Professionals from across multiple industries also addressed the graduates. Most will remember former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as the preeminent “graduation speakers.”
In their messages, the Obamas highlighted the importance of addressing prejudice in our world today, which has once again been brought to the forefront by the killing of George Floyd.
Former President Obama concluded the ceremony by encouraging young adults to build the world they want to see. “Graduation… is when you get to decide what’s important to you,” said Obama. “Your generation is graduating into a world that faces more profound challenges than any generation in decades.”
As we begin to explore the world (and music industry) post-COVID-19, one thing is certain: the future will be in today’s graduates’ hands. The Class of 2020 will have to persevere through tough times and address decades old problems in order to create the world we all want to live in. But we can do it!
