President Joe Biden will deliver his first commencement address of the 2024 season at Morehouse College amid growing tensions over his administration's policies on the Israel-Hamas war. The historically Black college in Atlanta, known for notable alumni like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has faced backlash from some faculty and students regarding Biden's stance on the Gaza conflict. Despite protests, the college has maintained its invitation to Biden, which was extended in September before the conflict began.

In response to the controversy, the White House sent Stephen Benjamin, its public engagement director, to Morehouse to discuss the situation with students. Biden's visit to Morehouse marks a rare appearance before a large group of young people since protests against his policies on Gaza have surged nationwide. The commencement speech is part of Biden's broader efforts to address racial issues and engage with Black leaders, following his recent meetings with figures related to the Brown v. Board of Education case and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. After Morehouse, Biden will attend an NAACP dinner in Detroit.

President Joe Biden