Meghan Markle Speaks Up in Support of Protests During Graduation Speech

Meghan Markle’s powerful graduation speech is one every American needs to hear.

In a surprise graduation address, delivered virtually through video, to her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 3, Markle addressed the events taking place across the country over the past few weeks. She addressed the death of George Floyd, the ensuing protests, Black Lives Matter and the L.A. riots that took place when she herself was a child.

“For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been planning on saying a few words to you for your graduation and as we all have seen over the past few weeks, what is happening in our country and in our state and in our hometown of L.A. has been absolutely devastating,” Markle began. “And I wasn’t sure what I could say to you. I wanted to say the right thing. And I was really nervous that I wouldn’t, or that it would get picked apart, and I realized—the only wrong thing to say is to say nothing.

Because George Floyd’s life mattered, and Breonna Taylor’s life mattered, and Philando Castile’s life mattered, and Tamir Rice’s life mattered, and so did so many other people whose names we know and whose names we don’t know. Stephon Clark. His life mattered,” she continued. “The first thing I want to say to you is that I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you have to grow up in a world where this is still present.”

Markle then spoke about her own childhood experiences during the L.A. riots that erupted following the police beating of Rodney King. “I remember the curfew and I remember rushing back home and on that drive home, seeing ash fall from the sky and smelling the smoke and seeing the smoke billow out of buildings,” Markle said. “I remember seeing men in the back of a van just holding guns and rifles. I remember pulling up to the house and seeing the tree that had always been there, completely charred. And those memories don’t go away.”

She encouraged the graduates to continue fighting for change and to use their voices and vote as soon as they can. “We are going to rebuild and rebuild and rebuild until it is rebuilt. Because when the foundation is broken, so are we. You are going to lead with love, you are going to lead with compassion, you are going to use your voice,” she continued. “You are going to have empathy for those who don’t see the world through the same lens that you do—because as diverse, vibrant, and open-minded as I know the teachings at Immaculate Heart are, I know you know that black lives matter. You are equipped, you are ready, we need you, and you’re prepared.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.