The future looks a whole lot brighter for 2026 graduates after numerous public figures and celebrities committed to speaking at graduation commencement ceremonies across the country.

With attacks on HBCU funding and curriculum shifts occurring throughout the school year, many have felt refreshed to see how many people in positions of influence are pouring into the next generation of young professionals. These gestures have helped restore some hope about the involvement of celebrities in HBCU culture, beyond alumni.

Here are the 13 graduation commencement speakers who have taken or plan to take the stage this graduation season:

Queen Latifah – North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

While this hip-hop legend is no stranger to the mic, hearing her speak in an encouraging capacity will always stick with 2026 graduates and their parents at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In true Aggie Pride, Latifah was warmly welcomed by all attendees on Saturday, May 9. She spoke at the undergraduate ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., split between different departments at the university. Her speech emphasized to students the importance of channeling their fear to achieve greatness and how her delusional moments propelled her career beyond her wildest dreams. “Be delusional enough to call yourself something the world hasn’t called you yet,” Latifah remarked in her speech. 

Ray Lewis – North Carolina Central University

For North Carolina Central University’s 147th commencement ceremony, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis took to the stage to share his wisdom with the students. He spoke to graduates from the school’s College of Health & Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business on Saturday, May 9. Lewis celebrated the graduates for all the trials they went through to be in the seats they occupied, while also shedding light on what their next chapters would require of them. To make the event even more memorable, he even did his signature squirrel dance on stage at the ceremony. 

Delroy Lindo – Fisk University

Known as a trailblazer in the acting space, Delroy Lindo spoke at Fisk University on May 3, where he was the school’s commencement speaker. He was also presented with an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the university. The school celebrated his accomplishments and contributions in the industry from older projects such as Crooklyn to more recent ones such as Sinners. 

Debbie Allen – Clark Atlanta University

Multihyphenated legend Debbie Allen is the keynote speaker at Clark Atlanta University’s commencement ceremony. She’ll be speaking at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on Monday, May 18, at 10 a.m. Her contributions to HBCU culture through A Different World make this selection more than fitting. The school will also present Allen with an honorary doctorate in humane letters. 

Misty Copeland – Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University announced earlier this year that Misty Copeland will be this year’s commencement speaker for their commencement address on Monday, May 18. Copeland’s career as a ballet dancer has spanned numerous years. She made history as the American Ballet Theatre’s first Black principal dancer and has even authored a book on her experiences, titled Life in Motion. Copeland will be joined during graduation weekend by Rev. Eugene Cho, who serves as president and CEO of Bread for the World. 

Wes Moore – Johnson C. Smith University 

As the first Black governor of Maryland, Wes Moore is scheduled to speak at Johnson C. Smith University on Sunday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. As the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony, students can expect to be inspired to step boldly into their future. The school intends to honor her creativity and career success while allowing her to pour into the next generation of great minds. 

Verda M. Colvin (Georgia Supreme Court Justice) – Fort Valley State University

Georgia’s Supreme Court Justice Verda M. Colvin, J.D., was selected as this year’s commencement speaker for Fort Valley State University for her contributions to the state of Georgia. On May 9, students heard from the honorable judge and celebrated their latest accomplishment. Colvin’s passion for community service and serving local Georgia residents is what made her selection so heartfelt. We are honored to welcome Justice Colvin to Fort Valley State University for this year’s Spring Commencement ceremony. Her career, marked by excellence, service, and historic achievement, will serve as an inspiration to graduating students preparing to enter their respective fields,” President of Fort Valley State University, Dr. Paul Jones, expressed in a statement from the university. 

Symone Sanders-Townsend – Spelman College

Renowned political strategist and anchor at MS NOW, Symone Sanders Townsend is Spelman College’s commencement speaker for this year. Scheduled for May 17 at 2:30 p.m., this enriching experience will motivate students to embark on their next chapter wholeheartedly. This year, Spelman College also celebrates having seven valedictorians in its graduating class, making this year’s commencement ceremony even more memorable. 

Fawn Weaver (Uncle Nearest) – Grambling State University

It’s official! Founder of Uncle Nearest whiskey, Fawn Weaver, is scheduled to speak on Friday, May 15, at Grambling State University’s graduation ceremony. Not only will she share pieces of her story as a business owner and industry leader, but she will also instill in new graduates what it truly means to persevere in the face of adversity. This selection comes at a pivotal time in Weaver’s career as she navigates legal challenges for Uncle Nearest, yet she keeps hope alive for the future of her company. 

Chris Paul – Morehouse College

Chris Paul is known in the sports industry as a highly decorated NBA All-Star, Olympian, and philanthropist, but on Sunday, May 17, he’ll be known to Morehouse College’s 2026 graduating class as their commencement speaker. “I have a deep respect for Morehouse’s legacy and impact on our community, especially on generations of young Black men. To follow in the footsteps of previous speakers who were presidents, civil activists, and learned shows that greatness is not defined solely by performance, but by character, consistency, and commitment to one’s community […],” Chris Paul expressed in the university’s official press announcement. Paul hopes that his speech will encourage students to channel the historic impact they’ve made on their college campus and continue to carry it with them as they enter a new phase of life. 

Bobby Scott – Hampton University

Hampton University’s 2026 graduating class just heard from Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott this past Friday, May 8 after he spoke at the Hampton Coliseum. This year’s speaker decision comes after the school established its first on-campus voting area to make voting more accessible to students, faculty, and those located in the surrounding area. “His leadership has created meaningful change across education, workforce development, and civil rights. We are honored to welcome him to Hampton as we prepare to send our graduates into the world with purpose and direction,” Hampton University President Darrell Williams expressed in a statement from the university. 

Magic Johnson – Tuskegee University and Stillman College

Earvin “Magic” Johnson set a new precedent this year after speaking at not one, but two HBCU commencement ceremonies. Johnson was invited to both Tuskegee University and Stillman College to share his insight and words of encouragement for the graduating classes on the same day. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Johnson addressed his experience speaking at the schools.  “This past weekend, I had the rare privilege of delivering two HBCU commencement addresses in a single day. What a way to mark my first visit in years back in Alabama for a speaking engagement! My first time was speaking at Oakwood University many years ago. A huge thank you to President of Stillman College, Dr. Yolanda W. Page, and President of Tuskegee University, Dr. Mark Brown, for inviting me onto your campuses,” The caption read. The post went on to detail Johnson’s experience on both campuses and how honored he felt to also receive an honorary doctorate in business administration from Stillman College. The encouragement he felt was to hone their boldness and to know they’re in good company with the excellence set forth by previous generations.

Artis Stevens (CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters) – American University

As president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Artis Stevens had made a name for himself in the nonprofit sector. This rapport, along with raising millions of dollars in donations for the organization, led to his joyous selection as the American University commencement speaker for this year. Stevens joins a longer list of commencement speakers chosen this year, including journalist Andrew Ross, poet Clint Smith, Representative Jamie Raskin, and Pulitzer Prize winner Samantha Power.