Colleges and universities have begun naming their commencement speakers for 2023. Henson said the role came at a difficult period, which included mourning the passing of her father. Home Dillard University, a school that frequently invites famous figures to its New Orleans campus, will welcome the Grammy award-winning rapper at its commencement on May 12. This year the legacy of great HBCU commencement speakers continues and hopefully, more young brilliant minds can be moved. Henson spoke about how she used all of her energy to build the character Queenie in the movie. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided on Saturday, May 7, every 15-25 minutes from 7-9 a.m. and again from noon to 2 p.m. From 7-9 a.m., guests should expect to be picked up from the designated parking facilities and dropped off at Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street NW. In addition to her accomplishments as an actress, Henson has also been recognized for her philanthropic work. Abrams will give her commencement address on May 15th. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University are invited to visit Howard Universitys 155th commencement website for pertinent updates related to the University-wide commencement ceremony, as well as individual ceremonies for Howard Universitys 14 schools and colleges. HBCU graduations are a great time to celebrate the Black excellence of students and the speakers who come to shareuseful knowledge and motivational words. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate . Taraji P. Henson Announced as Howard University Commencement Speaker Howard University recently announced that critically acclaimed actress and alumna Taraji P. Henson will speak at the spring 2022 commencement ceremony. - 12:00 PM, 11:00 AM It was one of the most inspirational speeches on all of the . Howard also produces more on-campus African American PhD. Here's a running list of announcements, including ceremony dates. Henson will give her commencement speech to the graduating class on May . For the comfort and safety of our graduates and guests who will convene to celebrate in the Universitys finest hour, we are implementing ourinclement weather plan and moving Commencement indoors. On May 14, 1994, however, Powell most important task of the day was as commencement speaker at Howard University in Washington, D.C. His address appears below. Henson was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, just before delivering remarks. The foundation focuses on providing mental health resources to the Black community. By Lauren Lumpkin. As we continue to monitor forecasts and provide necessary updates on any operational or schedule changes, we encourage graduates and guests to regularly monitor commencement.howard.edu, email, WHUR and Bison SAFE for accurate information. Commencement will be livestreamed on the Howard University YouTube Channel, WHUR-FM Radio 96.3 MHz and WHUT-TV, Channel 32 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An encore airing of Commencement will be broadcast this Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. The journalist and White House correspondent will be speaking at Claflin U in Orangeburg, South Carolina on May 12. Washington, DC 20059. Ten Best Commencement Speeches: See A List, Take The Poll By Katharine Zaleski Jun 17, 2009, 05:12 AM EDT | Updated Nov 17, 2011 It's graduation season: a time when I'm reminded of a day sitting under the New Hampshire sun -- yes there is summer sun in New Hampshire -- praying that the ceremony would end so I could nurse a very hungover body. Howard University Commencement Speaker Kasim Reed encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams without delay. Howard University awarded 2,293 degrees, including 309 master's degrees, and 114 . Taraji P. Henson - Howard University. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing. After Beyonchonored the nations historically Black colleges and universities with her Coachella performance Saturday, the schools are getting ready to honor its students with upcoming commencement ceremonies. Temple, Drexel and University of the Arts scored some big names for graduation this year. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu. Thank you for your patience and flexibility. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. All prospective graduates are required to attend. Bottoms will bless graduates on May 4 at Tennessee U. Thomas,a nationally known orator, will address undergraduates on May 5. A former columnist for The Chronicle Darlene Earnest is a copy editor for BestColleges. HUARCHIVES Back to Home; College of Engineering and Architecture Recognition and Awards Ceremony College of Engineering and Architecture Recognition and Awards Ceremony addressed graduates on April 29 and Disneyland Resort Vice President for Marketing and Commercial Strategy Sybil Crum addressed students on April 30. Henson, who studied theater in the College of Fine Arts before graduating in 1995, will join the universitys long list of notable commencement speakers. was the university's commencement speaker in . All Rights Reserved. We are so excited to see you achieve this important milestone and look forward to celebrating with you, and your families, during Graduate School's Spring 2023 Hood Presentation and Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at Cramton Auditorium. We hope to see you there! The sitting Vice President will be traveling to Tennessee State University to give her speech to the students. He would become the first African American Secretary of State in 2001 under President George W. Bush. Dr. Frederick is a sought-after speaker on a wide variety of topics and on important occasions on Howard University's campus. - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM More Information Coming Soon Details regarding graduation regalia, parking, the program book, and more are coming soon. What I had not realized at the time was Howard University was preparing me for what would be the most transformative decade in our industry.. It will likely be a memory that these students wont soon forget. Chadwick Boseman praised student protesters in 2018 commencement speech at Howard University. The Howard University School of Communications ("School of C") has four departments offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts celebrated its first class of graduates as a re-instated college. We care about your data. From noon to 2 p.m., shuttles will be located at Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street NW to return guests back to their parking origin. Commencement 2023 Congratulations, Class of 2023! Year Ceremony Degree/Award HU Degree Received; 2003, 2006: Charter Day (Speaker) 2003, Commencement (Speaker) 2006: LL.D., Special Citation of Achievement Assembly of Degree Candidates Vice President Harris and Mayor Woodfin are some of the most noteworthy figures to grace commencement stages at HBCUs this year. > Speeches. Image Credit: Helen Cortez / EyeEm / Getty Images, 2023 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company, The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of ABCs hit show The View will be the keynote speaker in Greensboro, North Carolina for North Carolina A&Ts graduation. The talented Taraji P. Henson will be gracing Howards stage for their commencement ceremonies. Howard University was recently chosen to lead a Tier-1 Transportation Center for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), prompting a $10 million grant from A group of 15 students, faculty and representatives of landscaping contractor Brightview participated in a tree-planting ceremony last week to celebrate Earth Week. Famous actor Malik Yoba will address Livingstone Colleges graduating class on May 14th. students especially, graduation can be one of the most rewarding and special times for these young black men and women. Livestreamed Commencement ceremonies for individual schools and colleges will be available beginning on May 10th. Poole, a former cornerback for the New England Patriots and member of two Super Bowl-winning teams in 2004 and 2005, will try to score a touchdown with his speech at Fort Valley State Universitys commencement on May 5. REMARKS Chancellor Ron Darbeau COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Roger Rickard AUTHORIZATION TO CONFER DEGREES Dr. Nicholas J. Rowland The Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees CONFERRING OF DEGREES Dr. Brian Black, Division Head Arts and Humanities Past Commencements - Speakers. Commencement Shuttle Service - 4:30 PM, 3:00 PM Several speakers' names are missing from this list, particularly for Newark and Delaware Colleges. About | The lineup for spring 2023 commencement speakers includes Nobel Prize winners, politicians, activists, academics, authors, actors, musicians, motivational speakers, and business leaders. - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM Discipline and consistency are two things in this life that are completely in our control, he said, noting that those were two things Boseman held dear in his own work. Howard is the only HBCU with a Division I swimming and diving team. Henson, who has become one of the most notable actresses in the entertainment industry, was once a student herself at the DC-based HBCU. LA Fitness Fires Multiple Employees After Two Black Men Were Racially Profiled, White Woman Who Called Cops On The Black Men At Starbucks Breaks Her Silence, Viral Video Shows Racist Karen Use N-Word And Then Get Beat Until She Apologized, Lisa Bonet: The Life And Career Of Hollywood's Famous Rebel, Prominent Black Professionals Sue Hulu Over 94 Freaknik Documentary Release, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? Famous actor Malik Yoba will address Livingstone Colleges graduating class on May 14th. Warnock is not far removed from winning one of the most pivotal Georgia senate races in history and playing a vital role in shifting political power in congress. All guests are required to present a ticket to receive entry to the satellite viewing locations. Hes the artist that your grandmother would love, university president Walter Kimbrough said to WAFB. 2020 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2019 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2018 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2017 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2016 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2015 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2014 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2013 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2012 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2011 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2010 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2009 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2008 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2007 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2006 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2005 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2003 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2004 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2002 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2001 - Howard University Commencement Program, 2000 - Howard University Commencement Program, 1999 - Howard University Commencement Program, 1998 - Howard University Commencement Program, 1997 - Howard University Commencement Program, 1996 - Howard University Commencement Program. The sitting Vice President will be traveling to Tennessee State University to give her speech. As many already know, Harris graduated from another HBCU, Howard University, so her return back to HBCU culture will be noteworthy. - 1:00 PM, 11:00 AM Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Complimentary water will be provided for guests at stations throughout the gym. Philadelphia-area commencement speakers include Questlove, President Biden, Dawn Staley News Link copied to clipboard Who's speaking at Philly-area commencement ceremonies? Frederick shared in an email. Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Lets take a look at the successful bosses who will be speaking truth to power at forthcoming commencements: The acclaimed Black Panther actor will deliver the keynote speech at Howard, which is his alma mater. All Rights Reserved. Students received diplomas and recognition at each of the individual school and college ceremonies held throughout the week, some for the first time in person since the pandemic. Check out our hand-picked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. Henson was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, just beforedelivering remarks. John Macclian, Facing Tomorrow's World May 27, 1943: Frank J. Bruno, The Price of Freedom May 25, 1944: Frederick Arnold Middlebush, The Burning of the Books June 13, 1946: Charles Allen Thomas, Crossroads Learn why HCC is a smart financial choice! . Accessibility Statement. Recommended Citation University, Howard, "1969 - Howard University Commencement Program" (1969). My Account | Today, we are taking a look at the top 10. commencement speakers, including Harris and Woodfin, that will be on campuses at these historic institutions over the next couple of weeks. Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson (BFA '95) served as Commencement speaker. Home | Official confirmation of degrees granted can be received by contacting the Howard University Office of the Registrar. However, there are more significant names that are looking to address the HBCU class of 2022. Representatives from the University Bookstore will be stationed at the front entrance of the gym, and the bookstore will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Commencement day. That winter, Khalid Abdul Muhammad, a member of the black nationalist Nation of . > The most notable HBCU commencement speaker for the class of 2022 is Vice President Kamala Harris. HBCU students may also hear from Roland Martin at Texas Southern University. You are a part of the Black Lives Matter generation, she said. You encountered disruption and responded with determination. Despite the rain, Howard University graduated the Class of 2022, moving the ceremony inside to Burr Gymnasium in a return to the full-sized event for the first time since 2019 after it was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and limited in 2021 following a year of virtual learning. Traffic controllers will be onsite to assist anyone with directions and to help identify parking lot locations. Commencement marks a major milestone in our students lives, but to have the Vice President of the United States as your guest speaker makes this moment even more special for our students and their families. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc-htxKMq98/?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI=. The U.S. rep will speak at Lincolns 159th Commencement in Pennsylvania on May 6. Dr. Jasmin Sculark Howard University Commencement Address - May 12, 2007. Viral Video Shows Racist Karen Use N-Word And Then Get Beat Until She Apologized, Lisa Bonet: The Life And Career Of Hollywood's Famous Rebel, Prominent Black Professionals Sue Hulu Over 94 Freaknik Documentary Release, Why Did tWitch Kill Himself? I learned everything from data and analytics to growing and building a team, strategy and partnerships, how to scale. Howard University's 155th Commencement Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The challenges you faced over the course of your Howard careers brought out the very best in you, Dr. Frederick said. FAMU Announces Spring 2023 Commencement Speakers. - 7:00 PM, 8:30 AM Dear Howard University Community, Please note that the honors listed in this program are estimated based on grades posted as of March 14, 2023. Thanks to Cristina Negrut, the creator of http://graduationwisdom.com/ where many of these speeches were first collected. Check out our hand-picked selection of commencement addresses, going back to 1774. For HBCU students especially, graduation can be one of the most rewarding and special times for these young black men and women. We encourage all guests to be seated by 8:30 a.m. to witness the procession of the graduates. Reset Search, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, The Art Institute of California, Sunnyvale, Jeremy Bowers, Emily Davis, Danny DeBelius, Christopher Groskopf, Anya Kamenetz, Meredith Rizzo, Sami Yenigun. In 2018, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), a non-profit named after her father, a Vietnam War veteran. Guests who require ADA accommodations can be dropped off at Burr Gymnasium (entering on Girard Street). On May 7th, Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Nashville to give the commencement address at Tennessee State University. She has received numerous accolades for her acting performances, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance for an Actress in a Television Series and several NAACP Image Awards. Howard Works to Meet Operating Expenses In Face of Unprecedented Inflation, Howard University Media Town Hall: Reporting While Black: Confronting Systemic Racism, U.S. Transportation Secretary Gets Inside View on Tech Education at Howard University. See, what Howard University instilled in me, Hollywood could never take away, she said. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the University was forced to cancel in-person activities and shift to a virtual format. Young black students get to be inspired by a voice of success and achievement, hopefully enhancing lifelong memories. It was a powerful discussion that had folks talking on social media. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Henson, who has become one of the most notable actresses in the entertainment industry, was once a student herself at the DC-based HBCU. See, what Howard University instilled in me, Hollywood could never take away.. 2023 She was the first woman and first Black woman to be confirmed by Congress to lead the departments Civil Rights Division. Howard University recently announced that critically acclaimed actress and alumna Taraji P. Henson will speak at the spring 2022 commencement ceremony. We are excited to have the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, and Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, two trailblazers, and history makers, deliver the keynote address for our commencement ceremonies, said Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover in a statement. By Jeremy Bowers, Emily Davis, Danny DeBelius, Christopher Groskopf, Anya Kamenetz, Meredith Rizzo, Sami Yenigun. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers the Bachelor . Washington, D.C. - May 14, 1994. Please see the full list of ceremonies and streaming links below. We care about your data. DIGI_COLLECT Colin Powell. Graduation season is such a memorable time for so many families across the country. I thought he made for a great commencement speaker because of his spirit of being entrepreneurial and authentic, but his civic engagement, including encouraging people to vote and willingness to speak out on issues, like his recent opposition to a Heineken ad, are just as paramount.. I am honored and humbled to be returning to my Alma Mater, Howard University, to deliver this years Commencement address to the graduating Class of 2022 and their families. Good morning! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Doors to the simulcast viewing locations will open at 7:30 a.m. Ballroom, Blackburn University Student Center. And in honoring Queenie, I honored all of our ancestors and sheroes who dreamed of a better future for themselves and then led lives of dignity, grace, and determination, so fiercely that it made our present possible., For the performance, Henson was nominated for an Academy Award in 2008 for best supporting actress, and led to Tyler Perry casting her as the lead in I Can Do Bad All By Myself.. The Departments of Communication and Culture, Journalism, and Radio-Television-Film offer the Bachelor of Arts degree in ten specializations. Howard University 2400 Sixth Street NW Washington, D.C. 20059 Phone: 202.806.6100. Many things go into creating a successful graduation day, but one of the most important is having a notable commencement speaker that students look up to. The 154th Commencement, set for Saturday, May 7 on the Yard, is the universitys first in-person graduation open to guests since the start of the pandemic. The woke CNN commentator will be sharing her inspirational story with students at Southern U in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on May 11. 1851 9th Street NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20059. Parking will be on a first-come, first-served basis. - 10:00 AM, 8:00 AM The University-wide Main Commencement will be held at the Main Yard on Saturday, May 13, 2023 (in the case of inclement weather, this location may change). The CNN anchor will report live from Clark Atlanta on May 21, AJC reported. No parking permit will be required. This years ceremony promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history. All Rights Reserved. See our privacy policy. 2023 Howard University. 2:00 PM So its vital to always seek out ways to fill your creative cup, but its also important to know when to pour from it. recipients than any other university in the United States. Main Yard (In case of inclement Weather: location change will be announced). He has 30 years of experience in higher education as a university administrator and faculty member and teaches writing at Johns Hopkins University. Important Commencement Convocation 2022 Update - Inclement Weather Plan. - 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM Returning to Howard always feels like coming home, and I cannot wait to share this incredible moment with Howard students as they prepare to take the next step in their journeys to success, Henson said. President Swygert, trustees, distinguished guests, my fellow honorees, my shero Dr. Dorothy Height, graduates, parents, friendswhat a deep honor to be here today for me. We could not be more excited to have her join us in celebrating the graduating Class of 2022. MSRC This is not a decision we take lightly. - 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, 10:00 AM She has had an extensive editing career at several news organizations, including The Virginian-Pilot and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Allyson Felix . By Jasper Smith and N'dia Webb Published April 14, 2022 The Commencement Convocation location is now Burr Gymnasium, located at 6th Street and Girard Street NW, Washington DC 20059. AlongsideHenson, 2022 Howard Universityhonorary degree recipientsincludedrenowned public historianElizabeth Clark-Lewis, Ph.D.;Robert L. Lumpkins, trustee emeritus of the Howard University Board of Trustees and a past vice chairman;Stacey J. Mobley, Esq., distinguished Howard alumnus and chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees; andJonelle Procope, president and chief executive of the Apollo Theater. Looking for some new words of wisdom? Stay tuned for continual updates throughout the spring. The first virtual commencement program. There is limited seating capacity, so we encourage all visitors to arrive early. Please arrive at 7 a.m. Entry Requirements In 2018, before he passed, the late Chadwick Boseman delivered Howard Universitys 150th commencement. The renowned national radio show host will speak at Morgan States 142nd spring commencement in Atlanta on May 19. Projections indicate thunderstorm activity, combined with wind gusts and a high-temperature mark of 57 degrees. Howard University recently announced that critically acclaimed actress and alumna Taraji P. Henson will speak at the spring 2022 commencement ceremony. The law school welcomed Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice, as its keynote speaker. Andrew Skerritt. Howard University. He and seven other individuals will each receive an honorary degree from Penn. print. Relocating Commencement requires that accommodations typically made for more than 20,000 people be quickly condensed for just over 2,500. Concessions will be available to guests throughout the Burr Gymnasium concourse. She was no-nonsense. Thanks to . Howard University's 155th Commencement Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The TSU family looks forward to both ceremonies and featured speakers.. At the time, she said she put faith over fear, researched the role, and readied herself for the auditioning process. The mayor will also speak at Georgia Tech on May 5, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported. Henson spoke about how she was paid only $100,000 for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a $167 million film project. Category: Education, Social Justice, Speeches ATLANTA, April 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spelman College announced today, Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times . Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Footer Primary. - 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Upon entering the main gymnasium,all graduates shouldlook for theirrespective school or collegebanner to sit with their fellow graduates. As HU put it in a tweet on Wednesday, they are welcoming home a native son for their 150th commencement in Washington, D.C. on May 12. The main commencement ceremony was held in Burr Gymnasium due to rain. During the May 5 and May 6 ceremonies, the University will confer more than 1,200 . Boseman, who graduated in 2000 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in theater,will also be presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, the universitys highest honor, according to reports. April 21, 2022 State of the University Address Spring 2022. . Sung by Christian Howard, Class of '23 The audience is asked to join in the singing. WASHINGTON Howard University is pleased to announce the 155th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10 a.m. Here's the list. The 83rd U.S. attorney general will be the keynote speaker at FAMU College Of Lawannual hooding ceremony on May 12. Penn's 2022 Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients. The following lots will be open to the public starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. Kay Ivey: The Opposite Of Woke Is Ignorance, Life After The White House: Sasha Obama Will Graduate From College This Year, Tennessee Republicans Heard In Leaked Audio Crying About Being Called 'Racist'. The official academic honors earned will be posted on the transcript, as well as noted on the diploma. She had a big heart. Howard Community College Leader Wins . Throughout the month of April, Howard Community College will host a series of speakers and engaging campus activities geared towards helping students with budgeting, managing student loans, and education on investing, credit, and financial planning. I think Dr. Gates said it best. Please check this site as well as your Howard email frequently to stay informed as more information becomes available. Edited by Darlene Earnest Updated April 26, 2023 Learn more about our editorial process Speaker Speaking Date City Series Type Season ; TBA: 2018-19, 2019-20, 2017-18 : Rev. Freshman Isaiah Swilley from Bourbonnais, Illinois, takes a practice dive at the Burr Gymnasium Pool. We thank you for your understanding, patience and support, and hope that this Commencement experience affirms for you and your family that Howard will always be with you in the journey ahead. No matter how many stumbling blocks were thrown in my way, I was too grounded in who I am and whose I am to ever be knocked off my path. NAACP National President and CEO Derrick Johnson will be the featured speaker during the commencement at Tougaloo College inTougaloo, Mississippi on May 6. Howard ; Giving to Howard . As HU put it in a tweet on Wednesday, they are welcoming home a "native son" for their 150th commencement in Washington, D.C. on May 12. A ticket is not required for the general seating section. Copyright 2021 The Hilltop: The Student Voice of Howard University. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin will also be on campus for a segment of Tennessee State students. Commencement will be livestreamed onthe Howard University YouTube Channel,WHUR-FM Radio 96.3 MHz and WHUT-TV, Channel 32 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An encore airing of Commencement will be broadcast this Sunday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m. > more. Howard University Commencement Programs Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. The lineup for spring 2023 commencement speakers includes Nobel Prize winners, politicians, activists, academics, authors, actors, musicians, motivational speakers, and business leaders. Youve got to create room so you can be refilled.. Award-winning actress and alumnae Taraji P. Henson delivers remarks at the 2022 Howard Commencement. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Director Lonnie Bunch III Praire View A&M University, Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba Jackson State University, Brown University Professor Dr. Marion Orr Savannah State, North Carolina State Senator Joel Ford North Carolina A&T, President Of Rust College Dr. David Beckley Wiley College, President Of Toyota Mississippi Sean Suggs Mississippi Valley State University, The Associated Press Race And Ethnicity Writer And Author Jesse J. Holland Jarvis Christian College.