The speeches in this celebration were previously recorded. In recent days, the horrific killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have come to light, and the country is feeling enormous pain.

The Cardozo Community mourns these needless deaths and condemns police brutality. We recognize the pain, fear and trauma that people of color in our community, especially our black students, faculty members and staff, are experiencing.  We are with you.

Graduates, your skills as lawyers are needed now more than ever. Today we honor your hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity. Tomorrow, we look to you to take those skills and become leaders who will advocate for those in our community who have been silenced.

We have so much more work to do.