Howard University’s Class of 2016 was joined by President Barack Obama as the head of state gave the commencement ceremony today (May 7).
In his 45-minute long address, Obama encouraged the HBCU graduates that the United States is a better place than when he graduated college from Columbia University in 1983. He uses multiple pop culture references to explain the advancement of Black people in the country.
“A lot of folks didn’t even think Blacks had the tools to be a quarterback,” he says. “Today, former Bull Michael Jordan isn’t just the greatest basketball player of all time, he owns the team. When I was graduating, the main Black hero on TV was Mr. T. Rap and Hip Hop were counter-culture, underground. Now Shonda Rhimes owns Thursday night and Beyonce runs the world.”
Rhimes writes and produces the hit television shows Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy.
Beyonce released her tenth studio album, LEMONADE, last month and it has the highest-selling debut week so far this year.
Obama further addresses the important place that the music industry holds in culture as he continues his acknowledgement of the progression of Black people in American history.
“We’re producers, studio executives,” he says. “We’re no longer small-business owners, we’re CEOs. We’re mayors, representatives.”
Famous Howard alumni include Taraji P. Henson, Toni Morrison and Phylicia Rashad.
Watch President Barack Obama’s commencement speech at Howard University below:
He forgot to mention Kanye West as the greatest living artist.
Puppet.
I always wondered where the racist fake ass ignorant people hung out….right here
So glad he’s finally leaving, one of the worst president’s in US history. He and his wife are fame hoes. TRUMP FTW
A whole country and its government is NOT run by the POTUS, the president is just a puppet, so if yall think your slow internet connection or the lack of hoes you get is Obama`s fault, you are damn wrong cuz he aint in charge of anything… wake the fuck up people, there are some men behind who you havent and never will even hear their names… at least Obama kept it 80 somethin and didnt front that much, we obviously cant say 100 tho lol, but yall greedy stupid motherfuckers need somethin like Bush… or Trump! this is exactly what you want! an angry bold ass lyin his ass off muhfucka.
The 10 best rappers: 1. Future /// 2. Drake /// 3. Young Thug /// 4. Lil Uzi Vert /// 5. Travis Scott /// 6. Desiigner /// 7. Lil Yachty /// 8. Fetty Wap /// 9. Lil Durk /// 10. Post Malone
Wow, these are 10 worst for sure
Obama the realest nigga, word up
ayo is Barack trying to gas us all. He about as real as a Kardashian ho=e.
ayo is Barack trying to gas us all. He about as real as a Kardashian ho=e.
Obama ain’t black. He’s a half breed sambo who does nothing but pander to people talking out both sides of his neck for some kudos. He hasn’t done much except make groups of people hate each other more. Not falling for his assskisssin. HE ain’t real.
He jus like to say anything to be liked. Ego, all of him.
Sht talking president. #SANDERS2016 Fucc these hoooes.
That’s cool. But why only entertainment. We need black in aerospace, economics, agriculture,law, health, physics etc
don’t think its possible for them to be in law and physics. not because they not be smart enough but because the man is holding them down yo. racists be like dance for me ya little nigga. entertain me clown. then they put the top hat and cane in hand and say welcome to the WB like a dancing frog.