May 3rd 2024.
Graduation day at college is an event that many students look forward to. It's a day filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. And one of the highlights of this special day is the featured speaker. This year, several historically Black colleges and universities have notable names gracing their stages to offer words of uplift and inspiration to the resilient undergraduate class of 2024.
Howard University's President, Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., acknowledged the challenges that the Class of 2024 has faced, with their academic journey being like no other in recent history. From canceled proms and graduation ceremonies to entering college in isolation because of the pandemic, this class has shown immense resilience, fortitude, and faith. As a result, Howard University will host its ceremony for 2,500 graduates at Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C., the home of the NBA's Washington Wizards and WNBA's Mystics. President Vinson states that the Class of 2024's accomplishments are deserving of additional efforts to celebrate their achievements.
The commencement speaker for Howard University is Thasunda Brown Duckett, the President and CEO of TIAA, a Fortune 100 provider of secure retirement and investment solutions. She is also a 2024 Black Enterprise Woman of Power Legacy Awardee. Other notable speakers at HBCU undergraduate commencements include NFL Hall of Famer John Stallworth at Alabama A&M University, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF at Benedict College, and global impact leader Ivory McGregor at Bethune Cookman University.
From media and ministry to music and business, the list of speakers at HBCU commencements is diverse and impressive. Some of the notable names include Wanda Durant, mother of NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, who will be speaking at Bowie State University, and Al Roker, co-host of the TODAY show, who will be speaking at Fisk University along with his wife, Deborah Roberts, co-anchor of ABC News' 20/20.
As expected, the announcement of the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, as the commencement speaker at Morehouse College has sparked controversy among staff and students. But many other HBCUs are equally excited about their featured speakers. Morris Brown College will have chart-topping gospel artist and producer Kirk Franklin as their speaker, while Prairie View A&M University will have United Airlines Vice President Phil Griffith, a Grambling State alum, as their speaker.
The presidents of these HBCUs have also expressed their excitement for their respective speakers. Dr. Kevin E. James, president of Morris Brown College, shared that they are very excited to have Kirk Franklin as their speaker, especially since this year marks their largest graduating class in 20 years. Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president and CEO of Benedict College, also expressed their enthusiasm for having UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax as their keynote speaker, stating that he is one of the world's biggest champions for HBCUs.
It's an honor for these HBCUs to have such notable and influential speakers at their commencements. These individuals come from various fields and industries, but they all share a common goal of inspiring and uplifting the next generation of leaders. And for the Class of 2024, their graduation day will be even more memorable with these exceptional speakers by their side.
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