HBCU ORIGINAL
Biden’s planned Morehouse College commencement speech spurs alumni protest
Joe Biden will be the commencement speaker at Morehouse College in Georgia, giving the Democrat a key spotlight at one of the nation’s pre-eminent historically Black campuses but potentially exposing him to uncomfortable protests as he seeks re-election against Donald Trump.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that Biden would speak on 19 May at the alma mater of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, and then address the graduating class at the United States Military Academy at West Point on 25 May.
The Morehouse announcement has drawn some backlash among the school’s faculty and supporters who are critical of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. That could put the White House and Biden’s re-election campaign in a difficult position as the president works to shore up the racially diverse coalition that propelled him to the Oval Office.
The letter, obtained by the Associated Press, claimed Biden’s approach to Israel effectively supports genocide in Gaza and runs counter to the pacifism that King expressed with his opposition to the Vietnam war.
“In inviting President Biden to campus, the college affirms a cruel standard that complicity in genocide merits no sanction from the institution that produced one of the towering advocates for nonviolence of the twentieth century,” the letter states, emphasizing King’s stance that “war is a hell that diminishes” humanity as a whole. “If the college cannot affirm this noble tradition of justice by rescinding its invitation to President Biden, then the college should reconsider its attachment to Dr King.”
Late last week, before the school and the White House formally announced commencement plans, Morehouse provost Kendrick Brown, Thomas’s top lieutenant, sent an email to all faculty acknowledging concerns about “rumors” and affirming that the school issued the invitation to Biden last September. That would have been before Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, spurring the sustained counteroffensive that the Morehouse alumni letter called an act of genocide against Palestinians. Brown’s email did not reference anything about the Middle East conflict.
Brown invited faculty to an online forum, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, to discuss the matter. But, he added: “Please know going into this conversation that the College does not plan to rescind its accepted invitation to President Biden.”
Morehouse officials have not responded to an Associated Press inquiry.
Asked about the concerns from some faculty members, the White House deputy press secretary, Andrew Bates, said Biden was eager to speak at the school and added: “Commencements are about the graduates, their families and their loved ones, about celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates.
“I’m not going to weigh in on processes happening at Morehouse, but he looks forward to going there and celebrating with the graduates,” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, Thomas released a statement to BET.com that, like the provost’s faculty letter, highlighted the September timing of the invitation to Biden.
Thomas said Morehouse officials “eagerly anticipate” the president’s visit, which he called “a reminder of our institution’s enduring legacy and impact, as well as our continued commitment to excellence, progress and positive change.”
The Rev Stephen Green, pastor of the St Luke AME church in Harlem and an author of the alumni letter, said in an interview that his group had reached out to several Morehouse trustees and hoped to speak with Thomas. Green, who graduated in 2014, called the effort part of a “common thread of protest and activism in the Morehouse tradition” of social and political engagement.
“We hope this would send a strong message that we are serious about the values we were taught,” Green said, adding that he wants to see Biden forcefully advocate for a Palestinian state and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Beyond any dissatisfaction over Israel, polling suggests Biden may have work to do with Black Americans generally. More than half of Black adults approve of how he is handling his job as president, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in March, but that is down significantly from when he took office and 94% approved of his performance.
Biden has increasingly encountered protests this year from progressives who assert that he is too supportive of Israel. The issue has proven vexing for the president. He has long joined the US foreign policy establishment in embracing Israel as an indispensable Middle East ally. Yet he also has criticized the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for mounting civilian deaths in Gaza and told him that future US aid depends on Israel taking steps to protect civilians.
🏈 2025 HBCU FOOTBALL HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
🎓 Grouped by Conference | 🔥 = Highlight Game
🟣 SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4 | 🔥 Alabama State vs. Bethune‑Cookman | Classic Montgomery |
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State | Big in Huntsville |
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Grambling State vs. Texas Southern | Grambling Homecoming |
| Oct 18 | 🔥 Southern vs. Prairie View A&M | Baton Rouge rivalry |
| Oct 25 | Prairie View A&M vs. Lincoln (CA) | Celebratory crowd |
| Oct 11 | Jackson State vs. Alabama State | Mid-season showdown |
| Oct 18 | Mississippi Valley State vs. Lincoln (CA) | MVSU campus event |
| Oct 25 | Bethune‑Cookman vs. UAPB | Daytona Beach fun |
🔵 MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4 | 🔥 NC Central vs. South Carolina State | GHOE season opener |
| Oct 11 | Delaware State vs. Southern Connecticut State | Dover celebration |
| Oct 25 | 🔥 Howard vs. Morgan State | D.C. showdown |
| Oct 25 | Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State | Norfolk tradition |
| Oct 25 | NC Central vs. Delaware State | Eagles finale crowd |
🔴 CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 11 | 🔥 Fayetteville State vs. Livingstone | CIAA main event |
| Oct 18 | Virginia Union vs. Lincoln (PA) | Home field energy |
| Oct 18 | Winston‑Salem State vs. Livingstone | WS buzz |
| Oct 18 | Shaw vs. Johnson C. Smith | Rivalry vibes |
🟠 SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 18 | 🔥 Morehouse vs. Lane College | Housecoming! |
| Oct 18 | Albany State vs. Tuskegee | Gold Rush feel |
| Oct 18 | Miles vs. Clark Atlanta | Birmingham-based joy |
| Oct 25 | Clark Atlanta vs. Edward Waters | Campus-heavy weekend |
| Oct 25 | Savannah State vs. Morehouse | Final home rally |
🟡 NAIA & Independents
| Date | Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 27 | 🔥 Alcorn State vs. Arkansas–Pine Bluff | Southern Heritage Classic |
| Sept 27 | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Black College HOF Classic |
| Oct 18 | Florida Memorial vs. Warner | Florida energy |
| Oct 11 | Langston vs. Arkansas Baptist | OK homecoming energy |
| Oct 11 | Morgan State vs. Virginia–Lynchburg | Home city showcase |
| Oct 18 | Texas Southern vs. Virginia–Lynchburg |
Destinations
HBCU Festival 2025 at the Mann Center | TD Bank Presents One of the Nation’s Largest HBCU Events
PHILADELPHIA, PA | May 17, 2025 – The HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts with a dynamic and inspiring event celebrating the culture, education, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 30,000 attendees are expected as this free community festival features: 🎓 College Fair – 25+ HBCUs including Howard, Cheyney, Morgan State & Tuskegee 💼 Career Fair – Connect with local employers, trade unions, and apprenticeships 🎭 Live Performances – HBCU drumlines, choirs, cheer squads & more 🏥 Wellness Zone – Free health screenings & community resources 🎶 Master Classes – HBCU-led workshops for Philly high schoolers 🍴 Food, Fun & Family Activities – All-day experiences for everyone! Special Performers Include: The Aeolians of Oakwood University Howard University Gospel Choir Cold Steel Drumline & Cool Mist Dancers (NC A&T) Powerhouse of Red & White (Winston Salem State University) Jeremy Winston Chorale International Presented by: TD Bank Hosted at: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Fairmount Park ⏰ Time: 11AM – 5PM 🎟 FREE Admission | Register at: https://manncenter.org/hbcu Let us know in the comments which performance or school you’re most excited about! 🎉 #HBCUFestival #HBCUPride #MannCenter2025
Destinations
🌸 Discover, Explore & Bloom: A Springtime Escape to Longwood Gardens! 🌿HBCU Students and Colleges!
Hey HBCU students and college scholars everywhere—looking for the perfect spring escape? Come explore the beauty, peace, and inspiration waiting for you at Longwood Gardens, one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States. Nestled in the Brandywine Creek Valley in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood spans over 1,100 acres of vibrant gardens, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows. This season, new is in bloom—and you’re invited to be a part of it. 🌱 What’s Fresh This Spring? ✨ Brand-new Bonsai Courtyard – Discover the art of miniature trees in a stunning outdoor display. 🌼 Redesigned Idea Garden – A fresh space filled with creative planting concepts and seasonal color. 🌳 Gorgeous Outdoor Landscapes – Expanded beauty, perfect for strolls, study breaks, and photos. 🌺 Plant Lover’s Paradise With over 10,000 species and varieties representing 200 plant families, Longwood is a living classroom and breathtaking destination for anyone curious about nature, botany, or simply in need of a scenic recharge. Whether you’re here for inspiration, relaxation, or a weekend adventure, this is the place to bloom this spring. 📍 Visit Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA 📸 Don’t forget to tag us in your favorite photos: #HBCUOriginal #SpringIntoNew #LongwoodGardens Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Destinations
National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour | HBCU Original Explores Black History
“Join HBCU Original as we explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 🌟 From the moving Slavery and Freedom exhibits to the vibrant galleries celebrating African American music, art, sports, and innovation, this museum showcases the resilience, brilliance, and culture of Black Americans throughout history. 📍 Located on the National Mall, this Smithsonian institution is a must-visit destination for everyone seeking to understand the full scope of American history. Plan your visit: National Museum of African American History and Culture Official Website ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more HBCU-inspired adventures and cultural insights. Stay original, stay proud! #NMAAHC #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #HBCUOriginal #Smithsonian #BlackCulture #WashingtonDC #MuseumTour #AmericanHistory #CulturalHeritage
HBCU ORIGINAL
Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Receive New Helmets from Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA — Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University Football Programs Receive New Helmets Through Arthur M. Blank Foundation Grant
Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University are kicking off the 2025 football season with a major boost to player safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, both HBCU programs have received brand-new football helmets featuring cutting-edge technology designed to enhance student-athlete health and safety.
Chris Millman, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Sports Philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant. Player health and safety is paramount at every level of the game, and the technological advancements in helmet design over the last five years have been remarkable. We’re pleased to help these teams prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.”
Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed deep appreciation for the gift:
“Morehouse Athletics is grateful for this opportunity. The new helmets will significantly enhance player safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with top-level protection as they take the field this season. We thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for their generosity and for forming a meaningful partnership that supports our commitment to a safe and empowering student-athlete experience.”
Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Teddy Keaton also acknowledged the broader impact of the donation:
“This is more than just new gear—it’s an investment in the future and well-being of our young men. We are thankful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for recognizing the importance of protecting our players both on and off the field. These helmets symbolize progress, purpose, and the strength of partnership.”
About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation works to transform lives and communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. The foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion to causes across its core focus areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, and Youth Development.
The foundation also supports essential Atlanta institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center, along with founder-led initiatives focused on veterans, military families, and individuals who stutter. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: David Collins, Morehouse College Office of Institutional Advancement.
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