In his online commencement address to students graduating from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Obama’s remarks were sobering in the wake of COVID-19’s staggering toll on African Americans. The virus accounts for 70% of the deaths in Louisiana, 40% of deaths in Michigan and 56% of deaths in Chicago, and in New York City blacks are twice more likely to die from COVID-19 than whites. Within this context, our nation’s first black president said these words (emphasis mine)—
If the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you. With everything suddenly feeling like it’s up for grabs, this is your time to seize the initiative. Nobody can tell you anymore that you should be waiting your turn. Nobody can tell you anymore “this is how it’s always been done.” More than ever, this is your moment — your generation’s world to shape.
Obama’s exhortation opens a new ad from Meidas Touch called “Commence Change”, which juxtaposes Obama’s speech with footage of Trump speaking. In the opening, images of black slaves accompany Obama’s words. Conversely, Trump describes white protestors violently demanding “freedom” to get haircuts as “responsible”….
Meidas Touch founded by civil rights attorney Ben Meiselas and his two brothers, is using Trump’s own words to make the case against him. This ad, along with those from Biden’s media team and The Lincoln Project, highlights Trump with little or no commentary. Trump’s words and actions speak for themselves.