Biden attempts to reconnect with black voters, faces silent protest at Martin Luther King Jr.’s alma mater in Atlanta

During a commencement speech at Morehouse College, a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia, US President Joe Biden faced a silent protest from a small group of graduates objecting to his position on the Gaza conflict. Morehouse College is the alma mater of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Several graduates turned their backs on Biden, some waving Palestinian flags, while one raised a fist. Others wore keffiyehs over their robes, in solidarity with nationwide campus protests against Israeli military actions in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Biden addressed the protest directly, emphasizing his support for peaceful protests. “I support peaceful, non-violent protests. Your voices need to be heard, and I promise I will hear them,” he said, dressed in the school’s maroon and black colors. The speech marked Biden’s most direct engagement with students amid ongoing protests in Gaza, which have posed significant political challenges ahead of his expected electoral rematch with Donald Trump.

Discussing the conflict in Gaza, Biden acknowledged the complexity and emotional impact of the situation. “This is one of the most difficult and complicated problems in the world. There is nothing easy about it,” he remarked, highlighting the deep frustration and heartbreak it causes.

Although he did not provide details, reports suggest that first lady Jill Biden had previously urged the president to address the growing civilian casualties in Gaza. Despite calls from some Morehouse students to cancel his speech due to the conflict, the event proceeded without interruption.

Biden called the crisis in Gaza a “humanitarian crisis” and reiterated his commitment to seeking an “immediate ceasefire to stop the fighting and bring the hostages home.” He stressed the need for “lasting peace” in the Middle East, advocating for an independent Palestinian state as “the only solution.”

“I know this angers and frustrates many of you, including my family, but most importantly, I know it breaks your hearts. It breaks mine too.”

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was in Saudi Arabia and Israel this weekend, working to secure a ceasefire and foster normalization between the two nations.

Biden’s speech coincided with Morehouse College valedictorian DeAngelo Jeremiah Fletcher’s speech also calling for a ceasefire, highlighting the heavy losses suffered by both sides since October 7. “This is what we are facing: extremist forces aligned against the meaning and message of Morehouse,” Biden said.

Morehouse President David Thomas praised Biden’s willingness to confront tough issues, noting, “You spoke to the tough issues facing our nation and the world right now. »

The speech was part of a broader effort by Biden to reconnect with Black voters amid declining support highlighted by recent polls.

Biden highlighted his administration’s historic appointments, including Vice President Kamala Harris and the first Black female Supreme Court justice. He warned of the increased threat posed by a possible second Trump term, calling his outreach efforts crucial to preventing Trump’s return to power.