Beyoncé joined a series of celebrities and political leaders in giving 2020 graduates a commencement speech. According to CNN, she told graduates she was “proud” of them being able to survive these turbulent times. She said: "We've seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change.” The singer thanked them for speaking out for black lives and said “real change” started with “this new generation.” Beyoncé and her husband have been vocal about the black lives matter movement and have encouraged others to be involved.