Michael Bennett

June 17, 2020 | Spring 2019 Commencement | Defensive end with the New England Patriots and author of Things That Make White People Uncomfortable

Michael Bennett is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, and co-founder of the Bennett Foundation, which promotes health and nutrition in underserved communities. A leading participant in the NFL’s National Anthem protests, he is well-known for speaking out on wellness, feminism, and the protection of Black lives. He played twice in the Super Bowl, leading the Seattle Seahawks’ defense to a national title in 2014. He was the spring 2019 commencement speaker at UH Mānoa, and he makes his home in Hawai‘i.

bennett at podium giving commencement speech

Reclaiming Humanity: Racism, Violence, Resistance, Love

Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 12:00 noon Hawai‘i time

Sponsors: Kamehameha Schools, Hawai‘i Community Foundation, UH Alumni Relations, College of Social Sciences, William S. Richardson School of Law, Pōpolo Project