'Black-ish' Creator Kenya Barris to Speak at Tufts Commencement

SOMERVILLE, MA – Award-winning television writer, director and producer Kenya Barris will deliver the commencement address at Tufts University on May 21. Harris, creator of the show "Black-ish," was named the commencement speaker this month and will also receive an honorary doctor of human letters degree at the ceremony.

Barris is best known as the creator, executive producer and co-showrunner of "Black-ish," which is a semi-autobiographical take on Barris' life with his wife, Rainbow, and their six children. The Los Angeles native has said the show, which tackles provocative social and political topics, is influenced by the works of director Spike Lee and television producer Norman Lear.

Barris' first feature film, "Barbershop: The Next Cut," was released last year.

"Kenya Barris’ witty and wise work entertains and enlightens millions of viewers every week, using humor to open challenging social issues for discussion without sugar-coating them," Tufts University President Anthony P. Monaco said in a statement. "We are delighted to welcome him to Tufts and excited to hear his address to this year’s graduates, their families and friends, and the university community."

Tufts' commencement ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 21.

Photo courtesy of Peabody Awards, via Wikimedia Commons