YouTube defers graduation event with Obamas, BTS, due to George Floyd memorial

The “Dear Class of 2020” graduation event of YouTube will be moved a day later in deference to a memorial for George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black American, died on May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, pinned him on the ground with his knee for almost 9 minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a nearby deli.

The memorial service will be held in North Carolina, Floyd’s birthplace.

According to a report by Variety, the YouTube graduation event will now kick off on June 7, 12 noon PT (June 8, 3 a.m. in the Philippines).

“Dear Class of 2020” features commencement speeches by former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyonce, BTS, Lady Gaga, former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Malala Yousafzai.

It will also include performances by BTS, Lizzo, Katy Perry, Khalid, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and more, plus special appearances by other celebrities and guests.

The YouTube event will be livestreamed on this link. Viewers can use Google Meet to have a virtual watch party with up to 100 participants via videoconferencing.

In line with the event, YouTube is partnering with Google.org and Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative to raise funds in support of underrepresented and at-risk youth. – RC, GMA News