Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will give the keynote address at Spelman College’s commencement ceremony, the school announced Monday afternoon.

The commencement is scheduled for May 19, 3 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center.

Bottoms will also receive the National Community Service Award. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress will receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Famed poet, playwright, professor and activist Sonia Sanchez will receive the Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.

Spelman, dedicated to the education of African American women, is located near downtown Atlanta. There are 474 students in this year’s graduating class, the college says.

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Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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