Lady Gaga has called on the graduating class of 2020 to overturn racist systems in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
As part of YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” graduation video series, the “Stupid Love” singer had previously recorded a graduation speech about the coronavirus crisis, but explained how the death of George Floyd and the spread of Black Lives Matter protests across the globe had made her reconsider her message.
“My speech was recorded before the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent activist movement protesting police brutality and systemic racism in this country,” she explained.
“While my original commencement speech may not be directly relevant to what this country most needs right now, I wish to tell you today that although there is much to be sad about, there is also much to be celebrated.
“You are watching what is a pivotal moment in this country’s evolution. You are watching society change in a deeply important way. This change will be slow and we will have to be patient, but change will happen and it will be for the better.”
Saying that “time, sufficient effort and divine grace” were needed to enact change, Gaga continued: “We are being invited to challenge that system. I believe in my heart that the people who are going to make this change happen are listening to this speech right now. You are the seeds that will grow into a new and different forest that is far more beautiful.
“People can do hard things. You can do hard things. You can rip up and replant the forest to be a vision only you have,” she said.
Last week, Gaga, who recently released her sixth studio album Chromatica, called President Donald Trump “a fool and a racist” for his response to Black Lives Matter protesters.
“He is fuelling a system that is already rooted in racism, and racist activity, and we can all see what is happening,” she said. “It’s time for a change.”
