Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to Deliver 2026 Commencement Address at Johnson C. Smith University

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the sole Black governor in the United States, will deliver the commencement address at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of his 2026 college graduation speaking tour. The historic leader will address the Class of 2026 at the Charlotte-based HBCU, inspiring the next generation of leaders as they prepare to enter a rapidly changing world.

The announcement comes as President Valerie Kinloch confirmed that commencement exercises are scheduled for May 17 in the Queen City. Moore's appearance at JCSU represents a significant moment for the institution and its graduating students, who will hear from one of the nation's most prominent African American political leaders.

According to spokesperson Ryhan Lake, the commencements represent "a moment to the dedication, service, and promise of the next generation of leaders committed to uplifting communities in our state and across the country." Lake added that "Governor Moore is honored to be invited to celebrate the Class of 2026—including graduates from Maryland, one of our nation's historic HBCUs, and his own alma mater."

JCSU leadership expressed enthusiasm about hosting the distinguished speaker.

Moore's appearance at the Charlotte HBCU takes on additional significance given the political landscape of North Carolina, where research shows Black voters make up the largest share of registered Democrats in the state, representing roughly 46% of the party's registered voters. The timing coincides with heightened attention on the Tar Heel state following former governor Roy Cooper's primary victory in what is being described as a high-profile Senate race.

A Historic Leader Addressing Future Leaders

As a history maker himself—elected as the first Black governor in Maryland's 246-year history and only the third African American elected governor in the nation's history—Moore brings a powerful message of achievement and possibility to HBCU graduates. His speaking tour during the 2026 graduation season will also include stops at Maryland's Frostburg State University and his alma mater, Valley Forge Military College in Pennsylvania.

Despite increasing national visibility, Moore has been clear about his priorities. In a recent interview with CBS' Norah O'Donnell, he stated he is "not running for president," emphasizing that his focus remains on Maryland's unfinished work in economic growth and public safety. He recently entered a bid for reelection as governor.

Moore follows a tradition of elected officials using commencement addresses to connect with emerging leaders. Then-Sen. Barack Obama delivered the commencement address at Northwestern University in 2006, less than one year before launching his historic 2008 presidential bid.

Originally reported by Black Enterprise.