Last month, the major broadcast networks and a few other entities combined forces to present
Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, a virtual national graduation ceremony
– the highlight of which was a commencement speech by former President Barack Obama. This new virtual graduation celebration is
a streaming event offered by and on YouTube, and begins at 3 p.m. ET today. Once again, Barack Obama is scheduled to be featured, as are Michelle Obama, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Lady Gaga, BTS, and many more. But given how national headlines and attention have been focused on something other than “just” the pandemic, this event – when, out in the real world, so many young people are gathering and marching in protest – seems like something to keep an eye on. Maybe both eyes. As for the 2020 class being honored: Whether you’re graduating from high school, college, or graduate school, be proud of yourselves. You’re living in, and through, a remarkably challenging time, which will get better only if you do your part, and basically do better than your predecessors have. I’m rooting for you.