CNN | Tennessee State University Newsroom

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University will hold its fall commencement Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Gentry Center Complex. Nearly 700 students will walk the stage to receive their degrees during the ceremony. This year’s speaker is award-winning journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon. Lemon anchored the long-running CNN primetime program, Don Lemon Tonight as well as CNN This Morning.

“I was honored to get the invitation from President Glenda Glover to be the guest speaker for this important milestone in a student’s life,” said Lemon.

“I look forward to sharing parts of my journey and what I’ve experienced as a journalist, in hopes of inspiring the class of 2023 to leave their mark on the world. Make it a better place for human beings, as they embody the TSU motto of think, work, serve.”

Lemon has won a variety of distinguished awards for his work which has spanned nearly three decades, including an Edward R. Murrow award, multiple Emmys and a Peabody award, among others. In addition to CNN, Lemon has served as an anchor and correspondent at the NBC and MSNBC television networks, as well as at local stations in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and St. Louis.

His work as a journalist includes countless global breaking news stories from the anchor desk, as well as on location. He has covered the war in Ukraine, for which he received a Peabody award in 2022. Also, the death of Osama Bin Laden, the inaugurations of the 44th and 45th Presidents of the United States, the school shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Newtown, Connecticut, and the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, George Floyd and Tyre Nichols. He joined CNN as a correspondent in 2006.

Commencement will include 328 undergraduate students and 324 graduate students. University officials encourage graduates to arrive one hour before the ceremony due to parking. While masks are not required, this is flu season and everyone is asked to exercise caution.

TSU fall commencement will also be live streamed from the University’s YouTube channel at www.tnstate.edu/livestream

Remziya Suleyman, policy and administration director for the American Center for Outreach, and TSU grad (left) had the opportunity recently to work with CNN documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock for an upcoming episode of "Inside Man" airing Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET. — Remziya Suleyman, policy and administration director for the American Center for Outreach, and TSU grad (left) had the opportunity recently to work with CNN documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock for an upcoming episode of “Inside Man” airing Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET. (courtesy photo)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University graduate was seen recently in Nashville with documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock and CNN is keeping vague about his visit to the Music City.

Remziya Suleyman, policy and administration director for the American Center for Outreach and an advocate for Muslim rights was spotted with Spurlock, and most assume it has something to do with the city’s broad religious landscape.

“It was definitely an incredible experience working with him,” said Suleyman, who holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and certificate in Nonprofit Management from TSU.

Spurlock, who is best known for his documentary Supersize Me, now hosts “Inside Man” on CNN, and gives viewers an insider’s view of diverse sectors of American life, delving deep into hard-hitting issues like medical marijuana, the elder care industry, migrant farm workers, gun ownership, union workers, bankruptcy, education and the drought.

According to Suleyman, Spurlock spent a few days in Nashville during the legislative session in February lobbying with her for an upcoming segment that will focus on religion in America. The program will air Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET.

“Not only did he accompany me to the legislative sessions, he also visited local mosques and really learned about our community,” said Suleyman, who is known for her political activism on immigration issues, interfaith organizing, and her work in the Kurdish community to raise awareness on the ‘Kurdish genocide.’ “He was very down to earth and cared about the issues.”

While Suleyman could not give out many details about the program, CNN did confirm the filming, stating that they “like to keep the specifics of the episodes under wraps until the show is edited.”

“It was exciting to be recognized as an advocate for our community,” added Suleyman. “He was able to get a good grasp on the issues facing the Muslim community today.”

Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Tennessee State University Newsroom

Tag Archives: CNN

Former CNN anchor guest speaker for TSU fall commencement

TSU Grad Becomes “Inside Man” With CNN Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock