Jemele Hill to Speak at UMD’s Merrill College Commencement

By Brianna Rhodes, Special to the AFRO

ESPN journalist Jemele Hill will speak at the Philip Merrill’s College of Journalism spring commencement at the University of Maryland on May 21st at Ritchie Coliseum.

The multi-platform journalist is an Emmy Award winner and one of the most influential voices in sports media today.

Hill is currently a senior columnist and chief correspondent for ESPN’s The Undefeated. The platform focuses on and explores the intersections of sports, race and culture.

“I’m thrilled to give the commencement address to the next generation of brilliant journalists,” Hill said in a statement. “I hope in some tiny way I can inspire them to take the lead in being the thought leaders that can protect and challenge our industry. My message is pretty simple: We need them.”

Hill has been working with ESPN since 2006 and joined the Undefeated in January. She writes, conducts interviews, hosts events and creates digital, television and audio content for The Undefeated.

Merrill College is one of the top sports markets in the nation. It is also home to The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism. The center serves as a resource for students and journalists to receive useful information through panels and workshops.

The National Association of Black Journalists headquarters is also located in John S. and James L. Knight Hall, the home of Merrill College. Hill is also a member of NABJ.

The commencement will begin at 10 a.m. More than 100 students are expected to receive degrees from the college.