After having conversations with college seniors, Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College, recognized that many were upset about not being able to walk at graduation due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It became apparent just how difficult of a time they were having with losing the commencement ceremony, losing their moment to walk across the stage and celebrate publicly with their families,” said Sorrell.
Believing that students at other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) shared a similar sentiment, Sorrell planned a virtual national commencement ceremony to acknowledge the Class of 2020’s achievements, drawing in celebrities, corporate and political leaders and education advocates who have been ardent supporters of these storied institutions.
The National HBCU Commencement Celebration will be streamed live May 16 by ESSENCE Studios with representation from more than 24,000 students and 75 HBCUs. Celebrity guests will make cameo appearances, there will be musical performances as well as an acknowledgment of the history of HBCUs, valedictorians and Black Greek Life.
“We want students to know that we saw them, that we heard them, that we love them and that we could not give them the moment that we had planned for but we still found a way to give them a special moment,” said Sorrell.
The program is being supported and organized by Howard University, The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). Corporate partners include the National Basketball Association (NBA), Hennessey, Verizon and JPMorgan Chase.
During the event, a fundraiser will also be held to support HBCU students and institutions. All funds raised will be distributed among the participating institutions. TMCF represents 47 public member-schools, while UNCF represents private HBCUs.
