ATLANTA, USA: US President Joe Biden acknowledged the voices of Gaza war protesters during his speech at Morehouse College, a historically Black university in Atlanta, Georgia. A small number of graduates silently protested by turning their backs, holding Palestinian flags, and wearing keffiyeh scarves over their gowns. Biden affirmed his support for peaceful, non-violent protest, promising that he heard their concerns.
In his most direct encounter with student protesters since the Gaza protests began, Biden described the conflict as one of the hardest and most complicated issues in the world. He expressed his personal and familial frustration and heartbreak over the situation in Gaza, which he called a “humanitarian crisis.”
Biden emphasized his efforts for an immediate ceasefire to halt the fighting and facilitate the return of hostages, as well as his long-term goal of a “lasting, durable peace” in the Middle East, including an independent Palestinian state.
Biden’s address followed a call from Morehouse’s valedictorian, DeAngelo Jeremiah Fletcher, for an immediate ceasefire, acknowledging the heavy casualties since October 7 attack. Morehouse president David Thomas praised Biden for addressing the difficult issues facing the nation and the world.
The president’s speech was part of his broader efforts to engage Black voters, a crucial demographic for his re-election bid, amid concerns over declining support. Biden highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the appointment of the first Black vice president, Kamala Harris, a record number of Black judges, and the first Black female Supreme Court justice.
Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, was also in Saudi Arabia and Israel, working towards a ceasefire and a normalization deal between the two countries. Biden’s outreach efforts, including his visit to Detroit and his speech at an NAACP event, underscored his reliance on strong African-American voter support, which he credited for his 2020 election victory and crucial for his 2024 campaign against Donald Trump.
The president warned of the dangers posed by Trump, emphasizing that the threat of a second term would be greater than the first, and urged Black voters to help ensure Trump’s defeat once again. Biden’s focus on democracy, racism, and the importance of Black voter support was evident as he navigated the dual challenges of addressing international conflicts and securing his political base at home.
