Barack and Michelle Obama and tons of big-name celebrities turned out Sunday to virtually salute the high school class of 2020.
Though several of the speeches in YouTube's "Dear Class of 2020" livestream were filmed before protests began around the country in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, a handful of celebrities focused on praising young activists for their role in pushing for change.
Lizzo opened with a flute rendition of "Pomp and Circumstance," accompanied by the New York Philharmonic, as images on the green screen behind her displayed images from Black Lives Matter protests around the country.
Alicia Keys praised the younger generation for "inspiring the world to see our collective humanity" through protests, calling on everyone to "empathize with those who seem different on the surface."
"You've accomplished something remarkable. but let's be honest: It's been a hard week and a hard month and a hard year. Right now, it might feel like there's not a lot to celebrate, and that's OK. ... You're not thinking about your time at school. You're thinking about marching and protesting and making sure your voices are being heard. ... You're taking your heartbreak and your outrage and turning it into action.
"I see you. You're unstoppable," she told graduates.
Beyonce, too, praised young people for their role in raising their voices in response to the death of George Floyd and called for more black female voices in the music industry.
"You have arrived here in the middle of a global crisis, a racial pandemic and worldwide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed black human being. And you still made it," she said. "Thank you for using your collective voice in letting the world know that Black Lives Matter."
The music icon added: "We've seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, can start the wheels of change. Real change has started with you. ... Your queerness is beautiful. Your blackness is beautiful. Your compassion, your understanding, your fight for people who may be different from you is beautiful."
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Barack and Michelle Obama appeared together in a video from their home, celebrating a "huge day for all of you," as the former first lady put it.
The Obamas congratulated students on not just completing their academic journey, but doing so all while figuring out how to support their teachers, friends and family through unprecedented circumstances. And above all, they advised graduates to thank their parents for helping them succeed and to make sure to properly celebrate their accomplishments.
"Today is the culmination of a long journey," Barack said. "Just as you were rounding the final turn, the world threw a pandemic your way. ... That's a lot to ask of anybody, but despite all that, here you are."
Taylor Swift reflected on her own unorthodox high school graduation: She was driving and flying around the country on a radio tour with her mom at the time, so her school mailed her the diploma.
"I know this probably isn't the kind of graduation you thought you were going to having," she said, adding that her experience taught her to "expect the unexpected, but celebrate anyway."
Justin Timberlake, Liza Koshy and Shawn Mendes also joined in on the congratulations. Other guests teased to join later in the broadcast include Jennifer Lopez, Malala Yousafzai, Missy Elliott, Tom Hanks, BTS, Michael B. Jordan, the cast of "Schitt's Creek," Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and John Mulaney.
The broadcast was intended to give graduating high school seniors a proper sendoff since many graduation ceremonies around the country have been delayed or canceled by the coronavirus pandemic.
"Dear Class of 2020" had been set to livestream Saturday, but organizers pushed it back a day so it wouldn't conflict with a memorial service for George Floyd, who died while in Minneapolis police custody.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Obamas, Beyonce and other stars salute young protesters in YouTube graduation ceremony