Johnson C. Smith University Announces 2023 Commencement and Baccalaureate Speakers
By: Johnson C. Smith University Marketing & Communications
GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Anthony Hamilton will take the stage to deliver the keynote address to Johnson C. Smith University graduates during the 150th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C.
Hamilton was born in Charlotte, N.C. and began his singing career at the age of 17 when he joined his church choir. Hamilton burst onto the scene in 2003 with his smash hit “Charlene,” which garnered the attention of NPR and resulted in him starring in their documentary series, “Noteworthy.”
Throughout his career, he has sold more than 50 million albums. His success in the music industry landed him in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and granted him the opportunity to perform for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
His influence courses through pop culture so much that the Los Angeles Times proclaimed he was a “national treasure.”
He has reached a new creative and entrepreneurial plateau with his 10th full-length offering, first album in five years and flagship release for his own label My Music Box and BMG, “Love Is the New Black.”
Not only is Hamilton a songwriter, producer and actor, but he now adds author and publisher to his lists of accomplishments with the unveiling of his first self-published book “Cornbread, Fish n’ Collard Greens,” where he shares the inspiration for some of the iconic songs in his illustrious career and his love of southern food.
The Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes, who serves as the senior pastor of The Faith Family of West Point Baptist Church in Chicago, will deliver the keynote address to Johnson C. Smith University graduates during the 150th Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 19 at 4 p.m. in the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church on campus.
In more than 20 years as senior pastor, he has witnessed numerous successes. He is most proud of establishing Operation H.O.P.E. Food and Clothing Pantry, the Domestic Violence and Advocacy Ministry (DVA) and the West Point Community Development Corporation.
The pantry serves more than 22,000 families each year, and the DVA Ministry supports more than 2,500 families a year.
Outside of his ministry, Jakes is highly involved with local, state and federal policymakers where he uses his voice to speak on matters of social justice, social action and social accountability. He has become a sought-out voice on statewide issues such as sensible gun laws, same-gender marriage, increasing the minimum wage and education funding reform. He has even served as personal counsel to two Chicago mayors.
Jakes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, Ill.; a Master of Arts degree in from the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.; and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
He is a working member of the Faith-Based leaders Advisory Board of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker as a board director for the Chicago Transit Authority, the United States’ second-largest public transit system.
He served on the Board of Trustees for Elmhurst University, and is an inaugural member of the President’s Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He is also the Deputy General Chaplain and Regional Chaplain-elect for his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
He has been inducted to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of International Preachers of Morehouse College; is a member of the Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity, Inc.; and a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Rites Masons of North America.
