Graduate Together: America Honors The Class of 2020

After the coronavirus pandemic canceled high school graduations across the nation, XQ, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation came together to create a joyful tribute to America’s Class of 2020. GRADUATE TOGETHER: AMERICA HONORS THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 was an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 and galvanize the nation around an important high school milestone. This one-hour primetime special aired everywhere on Saturday, May 16—on more than 40 broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms—paying tribute to high school seniors, their extraordinary teachers, and their families. It rallied all Americans around a message of hope and unity.

Curated by high school students and educators throughout the country with the support of the American Federation of Teachers, the broadcast included a collection of commencement addresses, celebrity performances, and inspirational vignettes showcasing school spirit, educators who go above and beyond, and families supporting students along their journey in education. The show featured a student-performed version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a commencement address by graduating senior Priscilla Arceo as well as special messages from celebrities, influencers, and changemakers, including President Obama, LeBron James, Zendaya, Megan Rapinoe, Bad Bunny, Kumail Ali Nanjiani, Lena Waithe, and Timothée Chalamet. Alicia Keys, H.E.R., the Jonas Brothers, Dua Lipa, and the Platt Brothers also made appearances along with many more artists.