Dear Morehouse Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. I am honored to announce that the 46th President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden, will be the commencement speaker for our 140th Commencement ceremony and we are deeply honored that he has accepted. This marks the third time the White House has formally visited Morehouse within the last two years. During this time, the Biden Administration has more than doubled Black household entrepreneurship, increased Black wealth by 60% since the pandemic, invested more than $7 billion in HBCUs, and – most recently – forgiven over $150 billion in student loans.
We remain committed to using our platform to raise our community's concerns and hold thoughtful, intelligent, and solutions-oriented conversations. We aim to initiate change, shift perspectives, and elevate topics that may not be widely known or understood.
This moment transcends Morehouse; it coincides with a critical juncture in our nation's history as we navigate an election year marked by contention and divisiveness. As an institution and a community, we bear a profound responsibility and obligation to be the beacon of hope and progress in these challenging times. We must take intentional, strategic action that serves the present moment and the collective future of our country and the world.
Drawing inspiration from Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community, we recognize that personal, community, and international conflicts are inescapable. However, it is our mutual duty to resolve these conflicts peacefully and to reconcile through an inclusive, joint commitment to goodwill and allyship.
We are excited to have President Biden as our commencement speaker and eagerly anticipate welcoming him back to The House next month. His presence serves as a reminder of our institution's enduring legacy and impact, as well as our continued commitment to excellence, progress, and positive change.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to Morehouse and our ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.
Sincerely,