Shaw University to Host 2023 Founder’s Day Convocation, Oct. 6

Shaw Alum, Hip Hop Artist and Councilman Dupré Kelly is the Keynote Speaker

Shaw University will hold its 2023 Founder’s Day Convocation on campus in the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. Founder’s Day Convocation is an opportunity for the campus community to gather to welcome students, faculty and staff; honor the university’s heritage, and celebrate the founding of Shaw University in 1865 by Mr. Henry Martin Tupper. The keynote speaker will be Shaw alum, Hip Hop artist and New Jersey Councilman Dupré Kelly.

A graduate of 13th Avenue Elementary School and Newark Tech High School, Kelly attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. While in college, the legendary platinum-award-winning Hip Hop group Lords of the Underground (L.O.T.U.G) was discovered and he became professionally known as “Doitall.” After making a name for himself, Kelly decided to give back to his community through the non-profit organization 211 Community Impact (211 Ci), which launched in 2010 to coordinate solutions to the root causes of problems impacting the interests and well-being of Newark residents. Kelly now serves as Councilman of Newark, New Jersey’s West Ward.

Dr. Paulette Dillard, President of Shaw University, said: “The Shaw family is excited to welcome our alum Dupré Kelly back to Shaw University for our Founder’s Day Convocation ceremony. We look forward to learning about his inspiring journey and hearing words of wisdom and encouragement for our students and campus community.”

Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically Black institution of higher education founded in North Carolina and is among the oldest in the nation. The University was founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper. Dr. Paulette Dillard currently serves as the University’s 18th President.