Chris Paul is bringing more than star power to Morehouse College’s 142nd commencement ceremony. The NBA veteran has been tapped to deliver the graduation address on May 17, 2026, giving the Class of 2026 a sendoff shaped by leadership, legacy, and service as they cross into their next chapter.
The moment feels especially fitting because his impact has stretched far beyond basketball for years. Along with a decorated pro career that includes multiple All-Star selections and Olympic appearances, he has built a strong reputation through philanthropy, business ventures, and sustained support for HBCU culture. That support has shown up through efforts like the Chris Paul HBCU Classic and the CP3 Classic, both designed to create more visibility and opportunity for Black college programs and student-athletes.
He’ll also receive an honorary doctor of humane letters during the ceremony, a recognition that speaks to the full scope of his work on and off the court. It adds another layer to his own educational journey, since he completed his communications degree at Winston-Salem State University in 2022. In his statement about the invitation, he shared deep respect for Morehouse’s historic role in shaping generations of young Black men and said he hopes graduates carry character, consistency, and community-minded purpose into the future.
The ceremony will also honor Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., the longtime founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, as he retires after decades of service, along with Southern Company CEO Chris Womack for helping expand HBCU scholarships, leadership development, and technology access. Still, the presence of Chris Paul at Morehouse lands as a reminder that Black excellence is never just about individual success. It is also about reaching back, investing in institutions that shaped the culture, and showing the next generation what it looks like to move with purpose.
