The first Black - I might say - Vice President of the United States of America. Trailblazing intellectuals, lawyers, doctors. And a proving ground for future leaders of science, medicine, education, business, faith, arts, entertainment, and public service. (Applause.)Īlways promoting, excellence, leadership, and truth and service. Founded - founded on a hilltop in Washington, D.C. So, folks, in 2023, I’m truly honored to be here at Howard.Ĭhartered 156 years ago by an act of Congress just after Emancipation and the Civil War. And they’re, first time ever, at the White House permanently. The Divine Nine not only has a seat at the table, we definitely hear you at the table. (Applause.) Oh, you all - you all think I’m kidding? Not a joke. I’m also proud to say that we’re the first White House to formally convene where the real power is: the Divine Nine. Now Tony chairs my White House Board of Advisors on HBCUs, which is designed to support and advance HBCU excellence with a lot more money. Then he got his PhD, had a distinguished career in business, and became president of an HBCU. I was fortunate to have Tony as a Senate staffer for a long time. He is President of my home state BCU, Delaware State University, where I got politically started. I’m also honored that - there’s a person here today, Dr. (Laughter.)Īll kidding aside, thank you for being a strong partner in the Caribbean and for addressing climate change and supporting democracies across the Western Hemisphere. (Laughter.) I just thought you were foreign policies - you know, Latin American guy. Prime Minister Rowley of - (laughs) - Prime Minister - Prime Minister, I didn’t know you were so talented. Jim, it’s an honor to join you here today and receive an honorary degree from this great university.Īnd it’s truly special - special to join fellow honorees. I attended South Carolina State University’s commencement as Jim received his degree he earned 60 years ago but never got a chance to receive it in person. To my friend - and he is my friend - Congressman Jim Clyburn, the thing that I admire most about you, Jim, is your absolute integrity in everything you do - in everything you do. You are here at a new moment of hope and possibilities.īut, graduates, before we begin, as mentioned many times, tomorrow is Mother’s Day. You are here with the heart and through the heartache, through blood, sweat, and tears of everything that’s came before, for everything yet to come. To the distinguished faculty and staff, thank you for having me.Īnd to the parents and families and the Class of ’23 - 2023: Congratulations.Īnd, by the way - (applause) - and, by the way, we will get to giving you your degrees. (Applause.) And just remember, when you’re President of the United States and they say, “Joe Biden is out in the waiting room to say hello,” promise me you will not say, “Joe who?” All right? (Laughter.) You all think I’m kidding. Serena - Student Body President, College of Pharmacy, the class speaker. Morse, thank you for the incredible honorary degree.Īnd thank you, President Frederick, for the invitation and for your leadership of your alma mater. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.
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