President Joe Biden speaks in support of changing the Senate filibuster rules that have stalled voting rights legislation. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) apnews.com
May 20, 2024 Story by: Editor
ATLANTA (AP) — President Joe Biden’s upcoming commencement address at Morehouse College marks his first significant engagement with college students since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This event is particularly significant as Morehouse College stands as a prominent center of Black politics and culture.
Located in Atlanta, Georgia’s largest city and a pivotal swing state that Biden won from Donald Trump four years ago, the address is an effort to connect with young Black men and rebuild the diverse coalition that supported his presidential victory. The announcement of Biden’s speech sparked peaceful protests and demands for its cancellation due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. This mirrors broader tensions between Biden and various communities of color and young voters nationwide.
Morehouse President David Thomas emphasized the importance of the speech amidst these emotions, stating, “In many ways, these are the moments Morehouse was born for. We need someplace in this country that can hold the tensions that threaten to divide us. If Morehouse can’t hold those tensions, then no place can.”
Biden’s speech comes at a crucial juncture in his electoral rematch against Trump, with his support waning among Black voters and people under 30—two groups critical to his narrow 2020 victories in battleground states like Georgia. An AP-NORC poll in March showed 55% of Black adults approved of Biden’s job performance, a significant drop from earlier in his presidency. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, only 32% approved.
“This is a global catastrophe in Gaza, and Joe Biden coming to pander for our votes is political blackface,” said Morehouse sophomore Anwar Karim, urging the university to rescind Biden’s invitation.
Many young voters oppose Biden’s stance on the Gaza conflict, which has seen him support Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and hundreds taken hostage. Despite advocating for a ceasefire and criticizing Israeli tactics, Biden has continued military support for Israel, as the Gaza death toll exceeds 35,000, predominantly women and children.
Younger Black Americans often sympathize with the Palestinian cause, likening Israeli policies to apartheid and historical racial segregation in the U.S. Israel disputes the apartheid comparison.
President Thomas believes Biden should address these concerns directly. “I think that the president will do himself good if he does not duck that, especially when you think about the audience that he will be speaking to directly and to the nation,” Thomas said.
Biden’s speech is part of a broader effort to engage with Black communities. It follows a private meeting with Brown v. Board of Education plaintiffs and an address to the NAACP commemorating the 70th anniversary of the landmark decision.
Former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Biden ally, acknowledged student concerns but highlighted Biden’s pressure on Netanyahu and his support for a two-state solution, contrasting with Trump’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
The controversy over Biden’s speech reflects the dual mission of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to advance social justice and maintain order. Morehouse has faced criticism from faculty and alumni, some of whom draw parallels between Biden’s policies and historical injustices.
