Morehouse College announced that 12-time NBA All-Star and philanthropist Chris Paul will deliver the keynote address for its 142nd Commencement exercises. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 9 a.m. on the historic Century Campus.

During the exercises, the college will confer an honorary doctorate of humane letters upon Paul. This honor recognizes not only his storied career on the basketball court but also his unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and his tireless advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities. For Paul, the opportunity to address the men of Morehouse represents a continuation of a mission that has become a defining pillar of his professional legacy.

The veteran point guard has long been a vocal champion for the HBCU community, a commitment that is rooted in personal experience. In December 2022, Paul earned his degree in mass communications from Winston-Salem State University, proving that academic excellence is a lifelong pursuit regardless of professional status. His efforts to elevate these institutions reached a global audience during the 2020 NBA bubble, where he used his wardrobe to spotlight various HBCUs daily, sparking a national conversation about the importance of these schools.

Beyond personal gestures, Paul has leveraged his business acumen to create tangible opportunities for Black student-athletes. Through a partnership with ESPN+, he produced the docuseries "Why Not Us," which provides an intimate look at the culture and challenges of HBCU athletic programs. He also founded the Chris Paul HBCU Classic and the CP3 Classic, events that have provided a stage for basketball programs to gain national exposure while connecting younger recruits to the HBCU experience.

Paul will be honored alongside Chris Womack, the chairman, president, and CEO of Southern Company, and the Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., who is retiring this summer after nearly five decades of service to the college. As Paul takes the podium this spring, his address is expected to underscore the themes of stewardship and societal impact that have guided his journey from the hardwood to the halls of higher education.