What You Missed on YouTube's "Dear Class of 2020"

Written by: Briana Wright @misswrighttv

Photo credit www.youtube.com

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic and civil rights movement happening now, it can be easy to forget the things we have to celebrate like the graduating class of 2020. To ensure their achievements were recognized, YouTube hosted a virtual commencement ceremony which aired on Sunday.

The star-studded ceremony consisted of 4 and a half hours of inspirational speeches, performances, and personal accounts from 2020 graduates all over. It opened up with a beautiful piece from Lizzo featuring the New York Philharmonic and a much needed message from Alicia Keys.

Celebs like Michael B. Jordan, Billy Porter, Missy Elliot and more also delivered some congratulatory words. Some of the ceremony’s highlights include powerful speeches touching on the current state of today and its injustices.

Condoleezza Rice, 66th United States Secretary of State, employed graduates to have faith that the current crises will subside and let them know that they have the tools for change. Michelle Obama encouraged them to stand up for justice beyond just hash tagging and posting.

Beyoncé told graduates who belong to a group called ‘other,’ who don’t get to be center stage to, “...build your own stage and make them see you. Your queerness is beautiful. Your Blackness is beautiful…” Lady Gaga, Malala Yousafzai, Barack Obama and others delivered moving speeches as well.

Other exciting moments featured performances from Chloe x Halle, Megan Thee Stallion, Katy Perry and more. Even if you didn’t graduate in 2020, this ceremony was definitely worth watching. Check out the full replay now on YouTube Originals and congratulations to the class of 2020!