NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State University announced on Monday that Emmy-Award winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph will no longer be this year's commencement speaker. Instead, comedian and actor Loni Love will deliver the address to students.
Ralph was announced as commencement speaker in early November, but with the writers' strike over, the university said she must return to work on the ABC sitcom "Abbott Elementary."
Love, who is a two-time Emmy, two-time NAACP Image and four-time Gracie Award-winning host, is stepping in to address NSU graduates.
The talk show host has interviewed several big names, including Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and celebrities like Idris Elba, Melissa McCarthy and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Love's life story is depicted in the documentary "Being Loni Love," detailing her life from growing up in Detroit's Brewster-Douglas housing projects to becoming a successful stand-up comedian and host.
"Norfolk State extends sincere gratitude to Ralph for graciously accepting our invitation. Additionally, we express heartfelt appreciation to Love for generously agreeing to step into he role of commencement speaker," according to a release from NSU.
NSU's commencement will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.
