Atlanta, GA – May 19, 2024

Amidst a backdrop of pride and achievement, Morehouse College bid farewell to 415 young men as they transitioned from students to alumni in the esteemed institution’s 140th Commencement ceremony on Sunday. President Joe Biden delivered a poignant address to mark the occasion.

The core values of a Morehouse education – Scholarship, Leadership, Excellence, Service, Knowledge, and Resilience – were heralded as defining attributes of the graduating class, embodying the institution’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals poised to make a difference in the world.

Valedictorian Deangelo Jeremiah Fletcher, a Summa Cum Laude Psychology Major hailing from Chicago, IL, stood out among his peers with a remarkable cumulative grade point average of 3.99. Notably, Fletcher pursued a double minor in neuroscience and Chinese studies, showcasing his dedication to interdisciplinary learning. In his eloquent speech, Fletcher shared his initial trepidation in accepting the role of addressing his fellow graduates but ultimately found resolve in the honor it bestowed upon him, his desire to set an example for his family, and a serendipitous encounter with a red cardinal, symbolizing perseverance in his family.

In a stirring call to action, Fletcher echoed the sentiments of Morehouse’s most esteemed alumnus, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., advocating for global justice and specifically urging for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them that the pursuit of justice knows no bounds.

Salutatorian Duwane Allen Terrell II, a business major with a concentration in Finance from Stone Mountain, GA, also distinguished himself with a remarkable 3.98 grade point average. His induction into the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society underscored his commitment to academic excellence and leadership within his field of study.

In his address, President Biden emphasized the transformative power of education, particularly a Morehouse education, in instilling fearlessness and fortitude in its graduates. Reflecting on his journey, Biden shared his experience as the first in his family to attend and graduate from college, a feat made possible through loans to cover tuition costs. Drawing parallels to the tumultuous era of Dr. King’s assassination, Biden pledged unwavering support to the Morehouse 2024 graduating class, affirming the enduring value of democracy and the imperative to confront systemic injustices such as white supremacy. He outlined ambitious initiatives to uplift communities, including investments in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), infrastructure improvements, and job creation.

While making his introduction of the keynote speaker, David A. Thomas, President of Morehouse College, noted, that “With the American Recovery Act – the bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Biden has put Americans back on track to prosperity while also fixing the nation’s crumbling roads, bridges and rails. It is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation that is putting millions of Americans to work. No other Administration in history since the inception of HBCU’s has invested more in our institutions than the Biden Administration has.”

President Biden, in his opening remarks, told the audience in his folksy way, “I got more Morehouse men in the White House telling me what to do than I know what to do. It’s the best thing that has happened to me.” The audience responded with laughter and applause.

The ceremony was not without controversy, as several graduates turned their backs to the President in protest of the Administration’s positions and actions regarding the Israeli-Hamas war. At least one faculty member was seen standing with her hand in a fist. Two other professors on the stage behind President Biden held a flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

As the ceremony concluded, the Morehouse College Class of 2024 stood ready to embark on their respective journeys, armed with the knowledge, skills, and values instilled within them during their time at the institution. With President Biden’s words of encouragement and guidance echoing in their ears, they set forth to make their mark on the world, embodying the spirit of excellence and service synonymous with Morehouse College.

The commencement ceremony served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a call to action for graduates to embody the principles of leadership, resilience, and social responsibility instilled within them by their alma mater.