Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) served as the virtual keynote speaker for more than 2,500 African American graduates from 24 colleges across the state of California on Friday, June 19.

During her speech, Congresswoman Waters gave a shout-out to graduates from the 43rd District cities of South Los Angeles, Inglewood, Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale, Lomita, and Torrance, as well as the graduates of Loyola Marymount University and her alma mater, Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Congresswoman Waters emphasized the virtual graduation theme of “We Deserve,” and encouraged the Class of 2020 to take that message to heart in their future endeavors.

“No matter what challenges or opposition you may face in life, you must be absolutely committed to the proposition that you are deserving of respect,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Congresswoman Waters also emphasized the significance of the virtual graduation taking place on Juneteenth, and paid tribute to her dear friend and former Texas representative, the late Al Edwards, who fought to make Texas the first state to make Juneteenth a paid, statewide holiday in 1980.