Stacey Abrams to deliver Spelman College’s commencement address

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will give the commencement speech at her alma mater, Spelman College, school officials announced Thursday. (File photo)

Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will give the commencement speech at her alma mater, Spelman College, school officials announced Thursday. (File photo)

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will give the commencement address at her alma mater, Spelman College, school officials announced Thursday.

“Spelman College is fortunate to have a dynamic leader such as Stacey Abrams as an alumna. Her work has had a tremendous impact on our state and country and the African American community,” Mary Schmidt Campbell, the college’s president, said in a statement.

Spelman, a private, historically Black college for women, will also give Abrams a national community service award.

Campbell said Abrams is an example to Spelman students of how to “lead effectively while navigating complex issues, like voting rights, equity, and civil rights. We look forward to all that Abrams will share with the class of 2022.”

Abrams graduated from Spelman in 1995 magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. She has kept close ties with the college. Abrams has spoken several times to students about voting. The college created a scholarship in her name last year for students with financial need.

Abrams’ appearance could be important politically. More than 90% of Black women voters in Georgia cast their ballots for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, helping him carry the state.

The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 15 at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion.