Barack and Michelle Obama to give YouTube Virtual Start Speech, Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will both, as part of the video giant’s multimedia “Dear Class of 2020” graduation series, give virtual opening speeches to the 2020 class on YouTube next month.
The Obama’s headline a who is who of started speakers who will include Lady Gaga, Condoleezza Rice and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet. The show, scheduled to stream on YouTube at noon Pacific time on June 6, will also feature special appearances from among others Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington and Zendaya.
“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube offers inspiration in the form of a virtual beginning,” said Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s Global Head of Content. “We plan to put together amazing, powerful speakers and performances by some of their favorite artists to promote the research.
The event comes when countless seniors from high school and college, due to the coronavirus pandemic, will not be able to attend a typical graduation in person. Done + Dusted creates “Dear Class of 2020;” YouTube also partners with the following groups to highlight graduating students: Born This Way Foundation, Higher Reach, Ideas United, Malala Fund and TODAY.
YouTube isn’t the only tech giant with a virtual graduation ceremony that leans on stars. Last month, as part of its May 15 sendoff, Facebook revealed that Oprah Winfrey will give seniors a starting speech, with Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus also making appearances.