If you follow any historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) on social media, chances are your feeds are full of caps and gowns. Graduation season is upon us and will last through the end of May.
One of the highlights of graduation season is the list of commencement speeches. Students want star power, authenticity and inspiration. Several celebrities are making the rounds this year, including Girls Trip star Regina Hall, who will speak at Dillard University on May 11. Dillard president Walter Kimbrough said the school worked with students to find a speaker. When the decision to go with Hall was announced, the student reaction was positive.
“People are really excited when we announced Regina Hall, particularly because she just had Little that came out last month, and then she’ll be in Shaft later this month,” said Kimbrough. “So we have her in between two big movies. And she’s doing the Showtime series, Black Monday. … We look for someone with new insight and a new perspective to share with our graduates.”
Florida A&M University (FAMU) featured three speakers, including rapper and actor Common. He received an honorary doctorate and gave a commencement address to students on May 3.
Lamman Rucker — an actor best known for his work in the TV series Greenleaf, House of Payneand the film Why Did I Get Married? — spoke at Lane College on April 25. He’ll be at LeMoyne-Owen College on May 11.
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