Hold Fast to Integrity
Ta‑Nehisi Coates 2026 Commencement Address.
The American University of Paris marked its 2026 Commencement Ceremony with a keynote from acclaimed writer and journalist Ta‑Nehisi Coates.
On May 22, 2026 Coates received an honorary degree and delivered a reflection on integrity. The university shared the moment on its official Facebook page, noting that Coates encouraged graduates to cultivate a moral center strong enough to withstand the pressures of modern life.
Ta Nehisi Coats Speech
Honorary degree recipient Ta-Nehisi Coates spoke to the Class of 2026 about integrity, drawing on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self-Reliance.”
Speaking to an audience of students from more than 100 countries, Coates framed integrity not as a fixed state but as a practice — something built through choices, accountability, and the courage to stand apart when necessary. Drawing on Emerson, he reminded the Class of 2026 that self‑reliance is not isolation but a commitment to one’s own principles, even when the world rewards conformity.
Coates’ remarks resonated with AUP’s global student body, many of whom pursue degrees that blend liberal arts inquiry with international engagement. His speech connected personal ethics to civic responsibility, echoing themes familiar to readers of his books and essays: the importance of truth‑telling, the weight of history, and the ongoing work of shaping a just society.
The ceremony, held in Paris, celebrated graduates completing degrees in fields ranging from international politics to global communications. AUP’s commencement traditions emphasize cross‑cultural dialogue and public service — a fitting backdrop for Coates’ message about integrity as a lifelong compass.
Learn more at www.aup.edu.
