Inspirational leaders, celebrities and YouTube creators came together yesterday to celebrate the class of 2020 as part of YouTube Originals’ Dear Class of 2020.
The virtual commencement event celebrated graduates, their families and their local communities. The celebration featured commencement speeches from Lady Gaga, BTS, and more.
Lizzo opened the event with a performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” with the New York Philharmonic, followed by Alicia Keys giving a speech addressing the graduates and their families.
Leon Bridges, Camila Cabello, Noah Cyrus, Cynthia Erivo, Khalid, Tove Lo, Chris Martin, Ben Platt and Ty Dolla $ign teamed up for a special rendition of U2’s “Beautiful Day,” introduced by Bono.
Katy Perry concluded the ceremony and led the graduates in the ceremonial tassel turn.
Alicia Keys was the first speaker to offer her thoughts. She began by congratulating the grads, adding: “But let’s be honest, it’s been a hard week, and a hard month and a hard year. Right now, it may not feel like there’s much to celebrate, and that’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay right now.” She also addressed the state of civil unrest in America and the protests against racial injustice worldwide and saluting the ways graduates responded to national tragedy by trying to better the world around them.
Justin Timberlake pointed out how historically unique this ceremony would be and Taylor Swift shared that she too was not able to have a traditional graduation, due to being in the midst of a radio tour. BTS also delivered individual messages from all seven members.
The cast of Schitt’s Creek reunited – with a very special guest joining them. As the Rose family and their friends serenaded students with a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” Carey herself hopped on the Zoom call. Carey even offered a few bars of “Always Be My Baby” following the performance.
Lady Gaga began her address by explaining that she had to re-record her speech after “the murder of George Floyd, and the subsequent activist movement protesting police brutality and systemic racism in this country.” She offered, “There is much to be sad about, there’s also much to be celebrated… you are watching what is a pivotal moment in the country’s evolution. You’re watching society change in a deeply important way.”
Beyoncé delivered one of the longest and most powerful messages. “Thank you for using your collective voice in letting the word know that Black Lives Matter,” she said. “Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates we celebrate today.” She also slammed the continuing sexism that persists in the music industry. She finished by shouting out those who still felt like outsiders.
In clip 1, Beyoncé congratulates 2020 graduates and mentions Black Lives Matter:
[“Thank you President Obama and Mrs. Obama for including in this very special day. Congratulations to the class of 2020. You have arrived. Here in the middle of a global crisis, a racial pandemic and worldwide expression outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed black human being. And you still made it. We're so proud of you. Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that Black Lives Matter. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others have left us all broken. It has left the entire country searching for answers. We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today."] SOUNDCUE (:54 OC . . . we celebrate today)
In clip 2, Beyoncé speaks on being terrified to build her own company:
[“The entertainment business is still very sexist. It’s still very male-dominated and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to what I knew I had to do — to run my label, and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours that meant ownership, owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future and writing my own story. Not enough Black women had a seat at the table. So I had to go and chop down that wood and build my own table. Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlook and waiting to be seen."] SOUNDCUE (:45 OC . . . waiting to be seen)
In clip 3, Beyoncé says she has dedicated her art to showing the beauty of black people:
["One of the main purposes of my art for many years has been dedicated to showing the beauty of Black people to the world, our history, our profundity and the value of Black lives. I’ve tried my best to pull down the veil of appeasement to those who may feel uncomfortable with our excellence."] SOUNDCUE (:18 OC . . . with our excellence)
In clip 4, Beyoncé speaks on people who feel different:
[“To all those who feel different. If you’re part of a group that’s called ‘other,’ a group that does not get the chance to be center stage, build your own stage and make them see you. Your queerness is beautiful, your blackness is beautiful. Your compassion, your understanding, your fight for people who may be different from you, is beautiful. I hope you continue to go into the world and show them that you will never stop being yourself. That it’s your time now, make them see you.”] SOUNDCUE (:32 OC . . . them see you)
In clip 5, Beyoncé on her secret to success:
["I'm often asked whats your secret to success. The shorter answer? Put in that work! Yes, I’ve been blessed to win 24 Grammy, but I’ve lost 46 times…Don’t feel entitled to win. . . . Surrender to the cards you’re dealt. . . . Losing can be the best motivator to get you even bigger wins so never compare yourself to anyone else."] SOUNDCUE (:34 OC . . . to anyone else)
Dear Class of 2020 was original set for June 6th, but was moved in honor of George Floyd’s memorial service.
