Graduation 2020: For Chicago. By Chicago.
Virtual Graduation Is Hosted by 'Hamilton' Star Miguel Cervantes, With Commencement Address by Oprah Winfrey, Joined by Celebrity Appearances Including Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist Common
ABC 7 Chicago and ABC's Localish are teaming up to broadcast and produce "Graduation 2020: For Chicago. By Chicago," a first of-its-kind, live 60-minute, citywide virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate Chicago's nearly 40,000 graduating seniors.
The ceremony will air on Sunday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m CT and will be hosted by Chicago's "Hamilton" star, Miguel Cervantes and include a commencement speech by Oprah Winfrey.
The star-studded lineup also includes confirmed appearances by Governor JB Pritzker, "The Voice's" Katie Kadan performing the national anthem, as well as a performance by Chicago's own hip-hop recording artist, Common, as well as many other special performances.
The televised event will capture the citywide pride Chicago has in its graduates, with tributes from well-known Chicagoans like Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago's professional sports stars and extraordinary high school students. Thanks to an online social campaign, ABC 7 received hundreds of student's, "Pomp and Circumstance Graduation Walk" videos that will be paired with music produced by Chicago's DJ Hot Rod as part of the graduation ceremony.
Viewers can stream live at ABC7Chicago.com, ABC7's connected Apps, ABC7's Facebook, YouTube, and Localish on Facebook, YouTube and WLS-TV's 'Windy City Live' Facebook. The station will also rebroadcast the special across its digital streaming platforms and connected TV.
