Janelle Monae To Deliver Dillard University’s Commencement Address

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae To Deliver Dillard’s Commencement Address

Janelle Monáe will deliver this year’s commencement speech for Dillard University. The ceremony will take place Saturday, May 13, at 8 a.m. Monáe (Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy Records/Atlantic) is a multi-Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, performer, actor, producer and CoverGirl spokesperson known for her unique style and groundbreaking sound. She’s also known for her activism speaking out against social injustices, police brutality and civic rights. Last fall, Monáe launched Fem the Future, an initiative to create more opportunities to advance the awareness, inclusion and opportunities for women and those who identify as women through music, arts, mentorship and education. President Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D., said,

Janelle Monáe’s significant accomplishments in music and particularly, film and STEM, both signature programs here at Dillard, along with her activism made her the ideal person to deliver a timely message to our graduates.

So for more than a year, he pursued Monáe for the University’s commencement speaker. Kimbrough tracked her down going through magazine reporters, record companies, and finally the national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., to get her here. He said:

I believe this is her first commencement speech and we are very excited to see this day come.

Sweet!

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