Atlanta mayor tapped to give Spelman’s commencement speech

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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.

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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.

About the Author

Eric Stirgus

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.