Quick Search

Active Bloggers

Hija Chang Hija Chang
Bellarmine University class of 2021
HBCU CONNECT HBCU CONNECT
Central State University class of 1995
Michael Fortson Michael Fortson
- College Not Listed - class of 2018
Randi Payton Randi Payton
University of the District of Columbia class of 1982
Will Moss Will Moss
Hampton University class of 1995
Joel Savage Joel Savage
class of 1993
Deanna  Johnson Deanna Johnson
Virginia State University class of 2028
Reginald Culpepper Reginald Culpepper
Clark Atlanta University class of 1998
luisa velasco luisa velasco
Spelman College class of 2017

HBCU Alum Chris Paul to Deliver Morehouse College Commencement Address

NOTICE: This content is in pending status and not visible to those without the url...
HBCU Alum Chris Paul to Deliver Morehouse College Commencement Address
Posted By: Will Moss on May 01, 2026


Chris Paul, the NBA superstar and Winston-Salem State University graduate, will serve as the keynote speaker for Morehouse College's 142nd Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 9 a.m. on Morehouse's Century Campus.

The announcement carries special significance for the HBCU community, as Paul himself walked across an HBCU graduation stage just a few years ago. The North Carolina native earned his bachelor's degree in communications from WSSU in December 2022, making this more than just another celebrity commencement booking—it's one HBCU graduate inspiring the next generation of Black excellence.

Key Takeaway: Chris Paul will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the Atlanta HBCU while addressing graduates at a ceremony celebrating both the Class of 2026 and several milestone alumni groups.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Paul brings an impressive résumé to the podium as a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympian, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, his influence extends far beyond basketball through his work in education, entrepreneurship and HBCU visibility.

The ceremony will also recognize two other distinguished honorees with deep HBCU connections.



Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company, will be honored for his leadership in launching a $50 million HBCU initiative that provides scholarships, leadership development and expanded technology access to students across six states.

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, will receive recognition after 47 years of service to Morehouse. According to the college, Carter was recruited by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a 10-year-old and will finally become a "Morehouse Man" through the honorary degree as he prepares for retirement this summer.

Celebrating HBCU Excellence

Paul's speech will cap a major week for Morehouse, with notable alumni being celebrated including:

  • Grammy Award-winning producer Khalil "DJ Khalil" Abdul-Rahman
  • Montgomery mayor Stephen Reed
  • NBA executive Albert Sanders
  • Entrepreneur Rashaun Williams
  • U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock

As Paul stands before Morehouse graduates, he'll represent the full circle of HBCU achievement—a sports icon who returned to complete his own HBCU education, now sharing wisdom with the next wave of Black leaders ready to make their mark on the world.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.


If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email!
Comments
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
More From This Author
Ohio Black Expo: Celebrating Black Excellence in Columbus
Virginia State University Announces Fall 2026 Career Expo
N.C. A&T Student Named National Science Foundation Research Fellow
N.C A&T JOMC Alumna Jada Webb Selected for National Geographic Content Scholarship Program
Two-Time N.C. A&T Alumnus Named Harvard Graduate School of Design Loeb Fellow
Fisk University Announces $900 Million Campus Transformation Project
Latest HBCU Sports
Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton will host 'Fan Zones' for soccer fans to enjoy 2026 FIFA World Cup events

Pittsburgh, Reading, and Scranton will host 'Fan Zones' for soccer fans to enjoy 2026 FIFA World Cup events

The Fan Zones will amplify and complement Philadelphia’s 39-day FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill Park — extending the World Cup’s energy and economic impact across PA Author: Keith Schweigert (FOX ...more
Hija Chang • 207 Views • May 8th, 2026
Oura Q&A with Professional Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

Oura Q&A with Professional Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

Q: How does a bad night of sleep make you feel? A: “I think when I get bad sleep, my day just doesn’t go smoothly. You wake up feeling groggy. You feel like you’re always trying to find your groove ...more
Hija Chang • 203 Views • May 7th, 2026
Popular HBCU Sports
Sources: Deion Sanders Finalizing Deal to Become Head Coach of HBCU - Jackson State University!

Sources: Deion Sanders Finalizing Deal to Become Head Coach of HBCU - Jackson State University!

Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders is finalizing a deal with Jackson State University to become the school's next head coach, according to Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger. ...more
Will Moss • 86,670 Views • September 18th, 2020
HBCU North Carolina Central Now The Favorite to Land Lebron James Jr. Son of Superstar Lebron James

HBCU North Carolina Central Now The Favorite to Land Lebron James Jr. Son of Superstar Lebron James

Duke has long been considered a favorite to land LeBron James Jr., son of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and living NBA legend. In the wake of today’s monumental Makur Maker news, oddsmakers think t ...more
Will Moss • 85,451 Views • July 20th, 2020
Coach Deion Sanders & Jackson State Make Offer to Top High School Football Prospect and LSU Commit, Khamauri Rogers!

Coach Deion Sanders & Jackson State Make Offer to Top High School Football Prospect and LSU Commit, Khamauri Rogers!

Holmes County football coach Marcus Rogers had one main statement to make when his son Khamauri Rogers, the top junior in Mississippi, received an offer from Jackson State on Sept. 23. "I don't kno ...more
Will Moss • 69,881 Views • October 5th, 2020
Deion Sanders Announces His Coaching Staff @ HBCU, Jackson State University!

Deion Sanders Announces His Coaching Staff @ HBCU, Jackson State University!

JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State head football Deion Sanders is excited to announce his inaugural coaching staff. The staff includes a unique blend of coaches at the NFL, intercollegiate, and prep level ...more
Will Moss • 60,342 Views • December 7th, 2020
Please Give Us a Like on Facebook!
Featured Members