Angela Bassett, the longtime film and television star, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in the 2022 film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has been announced as Spelman College’s 2024 commencement speaker.
“Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” said Spelman College President Dr. Helene D. Gayle. “Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces.”
Bassett received an honorary degree from Morehouse College in 2019.
Joining Bassett on the dais for the May 19 ceremony will be Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black female associate justice on the United States Supreme Court, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree; and Rose Scott, who will receive the National Community Service Award for her two decades of public service as an award-winning journalist, most recently with her show “Closer Look” on Atlanta’s WABE.
“We look forward to them inspiring our graduates, their families and the Spelman community,” Gayle continued.
Credit: Ben Gray
Credit: Ben Gray
Spelman announced the trio Thursday amid the noise surrounding Morehouse College’s announcement earlier this week that President Joe Biden would be that school’s commencement speaker.
Morehouse’s announcement was greeted with threats of protests and online petitions urging the college to reconsider the invitation in light of Biden’s support of Israel in that country’s ongoing war with Hamas. Others, though, have said they are excited about Biden’s visit.
Credit: Bloomberg
Credit: Bloomberg
Spelman’s commencement exercises will begin at 3 p.m. on May 19 at the Georgia International Convention Center. More than 500 Spelman students are expected to graduate from the all-women, historically Black college located in Atlanta.
The Rev. Yvette Flunder, founder of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, California, will serve as the speaker for the baccalaureate ceremony the day before commencement.
Credit: Spelman College
Credit: Spelman College
Georgia’s commencement speakers
Here are some of the high-profile guests invited to give commencement addresses at some of Georgia’s colleges and universities:
Albany State University, May 4: U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.
Clark Atlanta University, May 18: Author and activist Daniel Black
Clayton State University: U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga.
Emory University, May 13: Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and CEO of the Morehouse School of Medicine
Georgia Tech, May 4: Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian
Morris Brown College, May 18: Gospel music star Kirk Franklin
Morehouse College, May 19: President Joe Biden.
Savannah State University, May 3: Slutty Vegan restaurant founder Pinky Cole Hayes
University of Georgia, May 10: U.S. Olympic gold medalist swimmer Allison Schmitt
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