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Class Of 2020 Makes Request For Obama To Give A Virtual Commencement Speech

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April 17, 2020

We second this request!

This past week, a unique request came from the internet – could Barack Obama give a virtual commencement speech for the class of 2020 graduates?

The first request emerged in a tweet from Lincoln Debenham, a 17-year-old Los Angeles senior, CNN reports. “Hi @BarackObama! Like most high school/college seniors, I’m saddened by the loss of milestone events, prom & graduation. In an unprecedented time, it would give us great comfort to hear your voice. We ask you to consider giving a national commencement speech to the class of 2020,” Debenham wrote. 

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Soon after, the hashtag #ObamaCommencement2020 started trending with many people seconding Debenham’s request. “As a high school administrator with coordinating graduation as one of my duties, I feel the burden of more than 200 students on top of my very own daughter’s loss of Spelman graduation participation. Having Obama as a virtual national speaker would be absolutely amazing,” one user tweeted.

 

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“What an amazing idea and what a beautiful way for all of these seniors who have worked so hard whether it be high school, college, whatever it is to be heard, to be seen and recognized. What a beautiful way to give them hope as they forge forward. Thank you for suggesting this!,” another user tweeted.

 

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The tweet has since been liked more than 200,000 times and shared over 40,000 times. Debenham emphasized to his followers that the sole reason for him requesting Barack Obama was hope. “It’s about someone who speaks for my generation. Like Barack Obama was the first President I can remember. The classroom mock elections, watching his inauguration in school. That’s what this is about. Hearing that voice of hope again,” Debenham said.

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Barack Obama has given several commencement speeches in the past but none since he’s been out of office. While Debenham understands that there are so many pressing matters going on right now, he also acknowledges that missing these milestones for many students is also a struggle. He just hopes that some consolation can be provided from the former President.

Let’s hope President Obama can make this happen!

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Photo Courtesy of Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

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