You may recall two weeks ago, using the social media platform Twitter, a student asked former president Barack Obama to deliver a virtual 2020 Commencement address for all 2020 graduates due to cancellations because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Obama politely declined.
Media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has answered the call, agreeing to serve as the featured commencement speaker for #Graduation 2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020, a multi-hour streaming event set for May 15 on both platforms.
Many 2020 high school and college graduates and parents lamented the negative impact the COVID-19 virus has had on graduation rituals including proms and graduation ceremonies. Now there is a high-profile, high-powered solution featuring Winfrey as the commencement speaker and celebrities like Simone Biles, Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner and Lil Nas X. Miley Cyrus is scheduled to perform her hit song, “The Climb” during the virtual ceremony.
Set your calendar reminders and get your cap and gown ready for Facebook Watch, which will broadcast the event May 15. Segments will be posted to Instagram.
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.
Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.