Graduation season is officially underway, a time to celebrate the students who dedicated years of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice to reach this milestone. And one of the most memorable parts of every graduation season is the commencement speech, with inspiring words often delivered by political leaders, entertainers, and cultural icons such as Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and, this year, Queen Latifah.
The legendary rapper, actress, and mogul delivered a powerful commencement speech to the Class of 2026 at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Known for her message of U.N.I.T.Y. and empowerment, Queen Latifah encouraged graduates to stay true to themselves and trust their vision, even when others may not see it yet.
Queen Latifah shared during the speech, dropping gems about what it truly takes to accomplish your dreams.
“You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does.”
The New Jersey native is also a newly inducted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., adding even more significance to her recent appearance as she continues to pour back into students and uplift the next generation.
She was officially inducted as an honorary member on July 9, 2025, during the sorority’s 57th National Convention in Washington, D.C., a milestone that further reflects her long-standing commitment to service, leadership, and community empowerment.
Throughout her address, she emphasized the importance of being bold enough to believe in possibilities others may not understand, while also not being afraid to outgrow people or situations that no longer align with your purpose and goals.
She also reflected on her own journey from her beginnings in music and acting to creating the name “Queen Latifah,” and the road that ultimately led her to becoming the global icon we know today.
