First lady Michelle Obama delivered a very powerful, politically charged commencement speech at Jackson State University on April 23, 2014 to about 800 graduates. She also used this platform to also target the recently passed religious freedom bill in the state of Mississippi–where Jackson State University is located.

“We see it right here in Mississippi — just two weeks ago -– how swiftly progress can hurtle backward, how easy it is to single out a small group and marginalize them because of who they are or who they love?”, Obama said to the crowd on Saturday, “so we’ve got to stand side by side with all our neighbors –- straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender; Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu, immigrant, Native American — because the march for civil rights isn’t just about African Americans, it’s about all Americans,” she said. “It’s about making things more just, more equal, more free for all our kids and grand kids. That’s the story you all have the opportunity to write. That’s what this historic university has prepared you to do.”

There has been much controversy regarding this newly passed bill, which goes into effect on July 1, because it restricts the rights of members of the LGBT community. The bill passed by the Republican Legislature and signed by GOP Governor, Phil Bryant, says workers can cite their own religious opposition to same-sex marriage to deny services to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people.

During the commencement speech, she also discussed the importance of voting. “The power of voting is real and lasting. So, you can hashtag all over Instagram and Twitter, but these social-media movements will disappear faster than a Snapchat if you’re not also registered to vote,” she said.

This commencement was the first of three that she is to speak at this year. The others are May 26 at the Santa Fe Indian School and June 3 at the City College of New York campus in Harlem.