Northeastern Illinois University Proudly Hosts Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor for 2026 Commencement Speech

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to Address Graduates at Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is gearing up to celebrate its graduating class of 2026 with an inspiring commencement address by none other than esteemed alumna Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Ph.D. The ceremony is scheduled for May 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., and will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena located in Chicago. This event promises to be a memorable occasion for the graduates, their families, and the entire university community.

Dr. Taylor, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from NEIU back in 2007, has made a significant impact in the fields of African American Studies and social justice. She has gone on to earn her master's and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University. Currently, she holds the prestigious position of Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. Taylor is recognized nationally for her contributions to scholarship and public engagement, making her an ideal speaker for this momentous occasion.

Among her accolades, Dr. Taylor is a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the 'Genius Grant,' and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her notable work includes acclaimed publications such as the finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History, Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership, which explores the profound economic and social issues affecting marginalized communities.

President of Northeastern Illinois University, Dr. Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, expressed pride in welcoming Dr. Taylor back to campus, stating, "Dr. Taylor's accomplishments reflect the transformative power of a Northeastern education. We are proud to welcome her to inspire our graduates as they prepare for the next chapter in their personal and professional journeys."

The commencement ceremony will not only be a celebration of academic achievement but also a vital opportunity for graduates to reflect on the lessons learned throughout their educational journeys. As Dr. Taylor shares her insights and experiences, she aims to encourage the graduates to challenge societal norms and advocate for the change they wish to see in the world.

In addition to the in-person attendance, the entire ceremony will be live-streamed online at neiu.edu/commencement, allowing friends and family who cannot physically attend the ceremony to still partake in the experience.

Tickets are required for the event and will be provided exclusively to graduates and their guests. This ensures that those who have worked tirelessly to earn their degrees will have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with their loved ones present.

As the Northeastern Illinois University community eagerly anticipates this event, Dr. Taylor's return as a Commencement speaker serves as a testament to the institution’s role in shaping influential leaders dedicated to social justice and equity.

For media inquires, attendees and journalists are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Chris Childers at [email protected].

About Northeastern Illinois University

Founded in 1867, Northeastern Illinois University is proud to be a Minority-Serving Institution and the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The university offers over 40 undergraduate and more than 50 graduate programs and is located in a picturesque residential area on Chicago’s Northwest Side, further enriching the academic experience for students. With multiple campus locations, including facilities like the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, NEIU continues to extend its influence and commitment to education within the community and beyond.