North Carolina A&T State University has announced that Queen Latifah will serve as a keynote speaker for its 2026 commencement ceremonies. The decision brings one of entertainment’s most respected multihyphenates to address thousands of graduating students as they step into the next stage of their lives.
The university shared the announcement on April 13, noting that Queen Latifah will speak at both undergraduate baccalaureate ceremonies on Saturday, May 9, at First Horizon Coliseum. Alongside her, Dr. Nia Danielle Banks ’95, M.D., Ph.D., FACS will also serve as a keynote speaker during the graduation events.
Queen Latifah 2026 North Carolina A&T Commencement Speaker Announcement
Queen Latifah has been selected as the keynote speaker for North Carolina A&T’s Spring 2026 graduation ceremonies, which will welcome nearly 2,000 undergraduate and about 350 graduate students. Her address will be delivered across two major ceremonies held on the same day.
The first ceremony at 9 a.m. will recognize graduates from several colleges, including Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Health and Human Sciences. Later at 2:30 p.m., students from Arts and Humanities, Business, and Science and Technology will also be honored.
Queen Latifah Career Highlights and Cultural Impact
Queen Latifah brings decades of experience across music, film, and television to the graduation stage. A Grammy and Emmy-winning artist, she is widely known for her success as a rapper, actress, and producer, building a career that has influenced multiple generations.
She first rose to major fame in hip-hop and later expanded into Hollywood, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in Chicago. Over the years, she has also won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for Life Support, and an Emmy Award as an executive producer for Bessie.
In addition, she was the first hip-hop artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. More recently, she received the National Medal of the Arts in 2024 and was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2023, adding to her long list of achievements.
North Carolina A&T Commencement Ceremonies 2026 Details
North Carolina A&T’s 2026 commencement will be held in multiple sessions to celebrate graduates from different academic colleges. The university is expected to host a large gathering of students, families, and guests for the milestone event.
Each ceremony will highlight different academic groups, ensuring that students across all disciplines are recognized. The events will also be available via livestream, allowing families and supporters who cannot attend in person to still take part in the celebration.
Dr. Nia Danielle Banks NCAT Alumna and Co-Keynote Speaker Profile
Alongside Queen Latifah, Dr. Nia Danielle Banks will also serve as a keynote speaker during the commencement ceremonies. She is a proud alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned her degree in chemical engineering.
Dr. Banks went on to complete her medical training at Johns Hopkins University, where she became the first Black woman to complete its plastic surgery program. She later specialized in craniofacial surgery and built a career serving patients in major U.S. cities.
She is also active in leadership and professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In addition, she serves on Maryland’s Economic Development Commission and founded the Beaux Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery.
Queen Latifah Inspires NCAT Graduates 2026 Message of Achievement
Together, Queen Latifah and Dr. Banks are expected to address and inspire thousands of graduates as they prepare to enter new professional paths. The university described the ceremony as a moment of celebration, reflection, and encouragement for the Class of 2026.
With careers rooted in excellence, leadership, and service, both speakers represent success in different fields. Their presence adds meaning to an already important milestone for North Carolina A&T graduates.
