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The Top 10 College Commencement Speakers of 2023
This #gradszn, college seniors can expect one of of the following at graduation:
- a boring commencement address from someone they've never heard of and will forget as soon as you walk across that stage; or
- a dope commencement address by someone so inspiring that their words magically cure your hangover from the other night.
A handful of colleges are lucky enough to fall in the second category, receiving words of wisdom trailblazers who are in the process of making history.
This year, the lineup of commencement speakers has been sprinkled with Black Excellence! So, let's explore our take on the top 10 college commencement speakers of 2023.
@poupcards My take on the top 10 college commencement speakers of 2023: 10. United States Military Academy — May 27: Vice President Kamala Harris 9. Rice University — May 6: WH Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre 8. Washington University in St. Louis — May 15: Sterling K. Brown 7. Morehouse College — May 21: Wes Moore 6. Barnard College — May 17: Lena Waithe 5. Chapman University — May 19: Angela Bassett 4. Rutgers University — May 14: Sheryl Lee Ralph 3. Spelman College — May 21: Nikole Hannah-Jones 2. Bard College — May 27: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) 1. Tennessee State University — May 5-6: Oprah Winfrey Source: “Here Are This Year’s College Commencement Speakers” by @BestColleges (May 15, 2023) #graduation2023 #commencement #commencementspeech #oprah #tsu #raphaelwarnock #bardcollege #nikolehannahjones #traceeellisross #spelman #sherylleeralph #rutgers #angelabassett #chapmanuniversity #lenawaithe #barnardcollege #hbcu #wesmoore #morehouse #kamala #usmilitaryacademy #riceuniversity #sterlingkbrown #karinejeanpierre #washingtonuniversitystlouis #pwi ♬ original sound - PO’ UP! Card Game
10. United States Military Academy — Vice President Kamala Harris:
Vice President Kamala Harris honored the graduates of the United States Military Academy with a memorable speech on May 27. Her words resonated deeply as she recognized the sacrifices made by these brave cadets and emphasized the importance of public service, leadership, and unity in creating a better future.
9. Washington University in St. Louis — Sterling K. Brown:
Emmy Award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown delivered an unforgettable commencement speech at Washington University in St. Louis on May 15. With his charismatic presence and heartfelt message, he encouraged the graduates to embrace their passions, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
8. Morehouse College — Wes Moore:
Wes Moore, a bestselling author and social entrepreneur, graced Morehouse College's commencement ceremony on May 21. His speech captivated the audience as he shared his personal journey and emphasized the significance of community, perseverance, and the power of education in transforming lives.
7. Barnard College — Lena Waithe:
Acclaimed actress, writer, and producer Lena Waithe delivered an empowering commencement speech at Barnard College on May 17. She encouraged the graduates to be unapologetically themselves, challenge the status quo, and use their voices to create change in society.
6. Chapman University — Angela Bassett:
Renowned actress Angela Bassett inspired the graduates of Chapman University on May 19 with her uplifting message of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one's passion. Her powerful words resonated deeply, encouraging the graduating class to embrace their unique paths and strive for greatness.
5. Rutgers University — Sheryl Lee Ralph:
Award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph addressed the graduates of Rutgers University on May 14, urging them to find their purpose and make a positive impact in their communities. Her inspiring speech emphasized the importance of social justice, empathy, and the pursuit of equality.
4. Spelman College — Nikole Hannah-Jones:
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones delivered a thought-provoking commencement speech at Spelman College on May 21. With her powerful storytelling and commitment to truth, she encouraged the graduating class to challenge systemic injustices, amplify marginalized voices, and create a more equitable society.
Honorable Mention: Spelman College — Tracee Ellis Ross
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross also delivered a speech at Spelman College after receiving an honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts. She shared insights from her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of self-love, embracing vulnerability, and breaking societal expectations.
3. Bard College — U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.):
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock delivered a memorable commencement address at Bard College on May 27. With his impassioned words, he inspired the graduating class to be courageous leaders, advocate for justice, and engage in meaningful civic participation to shape a better future for all.
2. University of Pennsylvania - Quinta Brunson
Award-winning writer, actress and comedian Quinta Brunson delivered the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education commencement speech on May 13. The talented comedian and writer graced the stage, infusing the ceremony with her unique blend of humor and wisdom.
1. Tennessee State University — Oprah Winfrey:
The top spot goes to none other than the iconic media mogul, philanthropist, and inspirational figure Oprah Winfrey. Her commencement address at Tennessee State University on May
Each of these individuals have left a mark on the graduating class of 2023. But it is important to remember the mark the class of 2023 will leave on this world. Motivated with these powerful messages of resilience, social justice, and the pursuit of excellence, we can't wait to see what these graduating seniors do next on their new journeys to making the world a better place.
