Durham, NC – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law Interim Dean Malik C. Edwards announced that attorney, political analyst, and civil rights activist Bakari T. Sellers will deliver the keynote address during NCCU School of Law’s Class of 2023 Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 5, at 4 p.m. at Kings Park International Church in Durham.
NCCU School of Law will celebrate the achievements of its 122 graduates including its first cohort from the Law and Technology Certificate Program.
Attorney, political analyst, and civil rights activist Sellers will address members of the Class of 2023 and their families, School of Law faculty, staff, and alumni.
Sellers a renowned attorney, political commentator, and activist, began his political career at the age of 22, becoming the youngest elected member of the South Carolina State Legislature. During his tenure in office, he was a strong advocate for issues such as education reform, healthcare, and criminal justice reform.
A native of Denmark, S.C., Sellers’ interest in civil rights activism was inspired by his father, civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers.
In addition to his work in politics, Sellers has become a prominent commentator on CNN, where he provides insightful analysis on issues related to race, politics and social justice. He is the author of two books, a memoir entitled “My Vanishing Country,” which chronicles his life growing up in rural South Carolina and his experiences as a civil rights activist and politician; and “Who Are Your People?” a children’s book that sheds light on the importance of family, community, and the fight for justice. Additionally, Sellers currently practices with the Strom Law Firm LLC in Columbia, S.C.
Sellers earned his bachelor’s degree in African American studies from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and juris doctor degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia. He is married to Dr. Ellen Ruckers Sellers.
Tickets required for entry.
North Carolina Central University School of Law
For more than 80 years, NCCU School of Law has been a leader in producing practice ready lawyers, judges, and legal professional equipped, trained and committed to public service, social justice reform and to meeting the needs of underserved communities. In 2023, Enjuris ranked NCCU School of Law among the top 20 ABA-accredited law schools for women.
About North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students to succeed in the global
marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU’s
flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts prepare
students for professions ranging from clinical research to information science. Founded in
1910, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. With a mission
to investigate health disparities, the university’s two state-of-the-art research institutes give
students real-world experience working alongside faculty researchers and pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industry professionals. The university’s Strategic Plan 2019-2024, Charting
a New Landscape for Student-Center Success, focuses on four areas: student access and
success; innovation, research and entrepreneurship; collaboration and partnerships; and
institutional sustainability. Visit www.nccu.edu.