Alicia Keys is congratulating recent graduates on their impressive achievements.
On Sunday, the Grammy award winner gave a speech during YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020 virtual commencement ceremony. During her three minute address, the 39-year-old opened up about the state of our country and the protests against racial injustice worldwide.
"Dear Class of 2020, congratulations! You've accomplished something remarkable," Keys said. "But let's be honest, it's been a hard week, and a hard month and a hard year. Right now, it may not feel like there's much to celebrate, and that's okay. It's okay to not be okay right now."
She continued by encouraging students to use their education to make a difference in the world and fight for change.
“You are showing that your generation is going to heal us. I promise to always be by your side, no matter where the fight for justice takes us next,” she said. “The pain is not new but it feels different. For the first time, no matter what we look like or where we’re from, we can see so clearly what injustice looks like and now we can all choose how to respond. Change only happens when we educate ourselves and hold each other accountable and make sure we register to vote.”
“Thank you for being the inspiration for the world to see our collective humanity. I hope you can laugh, smile and allow yourself to reflect on all your accomplishments. There’s nothing and no one that can stop you from changing the world. I see you. You’re unstoppable. We honor you and celebrate you.”
Congrats to the class of 2020!