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North Carolina Central University will welcome three distinguished alumni as keynote speakers for its 145th Commencement Exercises, scheduled for May 9–10 at McDougald-McLendon Arena.

The ceremonies will feature Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, Pulitzer-nominated journalist Ernie Suggs, and national public affairs strategist Reggie McCrimmon. Each speaker will address graduates from specific colleges during one of three ticketed ceremonies.

The commencement schedule is as follows:

• May 9, 2 p.m. – Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Health and Sciences and the School of Education. Speaker: Mayor Leonardo Williams.
• May 10, 9 a.m. – Graduate and professional ceremony. Speaker: Ernie Suggs.
• May 10, 2 p.m. – Baccalaureate ceremony for the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, and the School of Business. Speaker: Reggie McCrimmon.

About the Speakers

Williams, a two-time NCCU graduate and longtime Durham educator, was elected mayor in 2023. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from NCCU. Before entering public office, he taught in Durham Public Schools, where he was named Teacher of the Year twice, and co-founded Zweli’s, the first Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States.

As mayor, Williams has prioritized small business development, youth engagement, and workforce advancement. In 2024, he launched the Bull City Future Fund, a public-private initiative supporting youth-focused nonprofits. That same year, he addressed national audiences as a speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

Suggs, a 1990 graduate with a degree in English literature, is a senior writer covering race and culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A former editor-in-chief of NCCU’s Campus Echo, Suggs has received national acclaim for his reporting on historically Black colleges and universities, including a Pulitzer-nominated series. He is the author of The Many Lives of Andrew Young and a producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary The South Got Something To Say.

In 2021, NCCU established an endowed scholarship in Suggs’ name to support student journalists. He is a 2008 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and currently serves on the Nieman Foundation’s advisory board.

McCrimmon, a 2013 graduate in political science, is a senior vice president at Crossroads Strategies in Washington, D.C., where he advises Fortune 500 companies on public affairs. His previous roles include senior policy positions at Google and Twitter, where he led global initiatives on AI, consumer safety, and social impact.

McCrimmon has also served as director of member services for the Congressional Black Caucus and as president of the Congressional Black Associates. At NCCU, he was elected SGA president and served on the university’s board of trustees.

Security and Streaming Information

NCCU will implement enhanced security measures, including metal detectors and a clear bag policy. Approved bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and no larger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches. Small clutches up to 4.5 x 6.5 x 1 inch are permitted. Exceptions will be made for medical and childcare needs.

All ceremonies will stream live on NCCU’s official website and YouTube channel.

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