Commencement Weekend 2026

Bennett College Announces MC Lyte as 2026 Commencement Speaker; Public Invited to Celebrate the Class of 2026

GREENSBORO, NC — Bennett College has announced that 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee MC Lyte will serve as the commencement speaker for the College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony celebrating the Centennial Class of 2026.

Hip-hop pioneer and Vibe magazine’s original “Queen of Rap,” MC Lyte — born Lana Michele Moorer — has spent nearly four decades redefining hip-hop and expanding the role of women in music, media, business, and culture. Rapper, songwriter, DJ, actress, television announcer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, her career has been defined by groundbreaking firsts. She was the first female rapper to release a full solo album, the first solo female rapper to earn a gold single, and the first solo female rapper nominated for a Grammy Award. She also became the first rap artist to perform at Carnegie Hall and the first woman to bring hip-hop to the White House.

From her beginnings in Brooklyn writing rhymes at age 12 to releasing “I Cram to Understand U (Sam)” at 17, MC Lyte used her voice early to confront real-world issues through music. Her landmark 1988 debut album, Lyte as a Rock, became the first full solo album released by a female rapper and helped redefine lyrical authority in hip-hop by blending sharp lyricism with emotional depth and social consciousness. Her 1989 album Eyes on This became the first album by a solo female rapper to chart on the Billboard 200, while her 1993 hit “Ruffneck” earned a Grammy nomination and made her the first solo female rapper to achieve Gold status.

Her influence extends far beyond music. Throughout her career, MC Lyte has championed causes related to anti-violence initiatives, reproductive rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, voter education, and women’s empowerment. In 1989, she joined the Stop the Violence Movement founded by KRS-One and contributed to the landmark single “Self Destruction.” She later partnered with organizations and initiatives including NARAL Pro-Choice America, the USO, and the NFL’s “Inspire Change” campaign. In 2006, she co-founded the Hip Hop Sisters Network to promote positive images of ethnically diverse women and youth.

MC Lyte’s collaborations span generations and genres, including work with Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Public Enemy, Bootsy Collins, and Aerosmith. Her work helped pave the way for generations of artists, including Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott.

“We are honored to welcome MC Lyte to Bennett College during this historic Centennial year,” said Dr. Teresa Hardee. “Her career, leadership, creativity, and commitment to empowering others reflect many of the same values we work to instill in our students. We believe her voice and journey will resonate deeply with our graduates as they prepare to lead boldly into the future.”

As part of the celebration, MC Lyte will also participate in a special Meet & Greet with photo opportunities and showcase her DJ skills during a post-commencement celebration created especially for graduates, their families, alumnae, and the Bennett community.

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, on the Bennett College campus quadrangle as part of the College’s Centennial Commencement Weekend celebration.

As one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities for women in the nation, Bennett College continues its legacy of preparing women leaders who lead personally, professionally, and globally.

Natalie V. McLean, D.Min., is a Greensboro native and accomplished scholar, holding degrees from Bennett College, North Carolina A&T State University, Duke Divinity School, and Hood Theological Seminary. Her doctoral research on the generational transmission of values continues to inform her work in ethics, leadership, and spiritual formation.

She served Bennett College for more than 21 years as Chaplain, guiding generations of students through holistic development that integrates faith, character, and academic excellence. Dr. McLean has also contributed as a guest lecturer, workshop facilitator, and author, creating initiatives that center reflection, prayer, and community.

She currently serves at Providence Baptist Church, where she leads ministry and Christian education efforts. Through all of her work, Dr. McLean remains committed to nurturing purpose-driven leaders grounded in faith, service, and integrity.

The Baccalaureate Convocation will be held on Friday, May 15 at 6:00 pm in Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel.

A livestream will be available at www.Bennett.edu/LIVE.

Baccalaureate - Friday, May 15, 2025

WATCH HERE

Commencement - Saturday, May 16, 2025

WATCH HERE

Please be advised of the following street closings and parking assignments for Commencement on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Gorrell Street will close (Sampson St. to Bennett St.) at 10 am and open after the commencement.

Parking locations are as follows:

Guests with disabilities

• Washington Street Lot (Behind Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel)

General Public

• Maintenance Lot (Facilities) (Washington Street)
• Medley Street Grass Lot (across from Johnnetta B. Cole Honors Hall)
• Gorrell Street Lot
• Wells Memorial COGIC Lot (Overflow) pending

Staff/Faculty

• Black Hall, Merner Hall, Pfeiffer Science Lots

Graduating Seniors/Marshalls

• Goode Gymnasium Lot
• Black Hall
• Union Drive

President's Guest/Board of Trustees

• President's Driveway

Any vehicles parked on the public streets are subject to tow - at the owner's expense - by the Greensboro Police Department.

Parking Staff (Show Pros) will be available to direct all authorized parking.

In case of rain, the 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be moved indoors to the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel on campus. Tickets will be required. Each graduating senior will be issued tickets that they distribute to their guests. Due to capacity limitations inside the Chapel, only those guests with tickets will be admitted. Please plan to arrive early should inside seating be required. Overflow seating will be available in the Little Theatre for non-ticket holders and late arrivals once the program starts. Live Streaming will be available at www.Bennett.edu/LIVE. The link is also above on this page or via the Watch Live link on the homepage.