April 26th 2024.
The prestigious Spelman College is proud to announce that the incredible Angela Bassett will be the keynote speaker at its 137th Commencement Ceremony. In recognition of her remarkable talent, Bassett will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree, as shared in a press release by the college. This recognition is well-deserved, as Bassett has captivated audiences with her performances in iconic films such as Malcolm X, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Black Panther, and Mission Impossible: Fallout. Her breakthrough role in 1993's critically acclaimed What's Love Got to Do with It also earned her an Oscar nomination.
President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH, expressed her excitement for Bassett's involvement, stating, "Spelman College is honored to have the acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett as our keynote speaker for the Class of 2024. Her impact on and off the screen serves as an inspiration for our students to lead in their own spaces."
Bassett has delivered powerful speeches at previous events, including her memorable address at the Academy's 14th Governors Awards earlier this year. After receiving her honorary Oscar, she praised other Black trailblazers and reminded the audience that "there is room for us all." She also shared wise words from actress Lena Horne, saying, "It’s so nice to get flowers while you can yet still smell the fragrance," which truly resonated with the audience.
Spelman's commencement weekend will also honor other prominent Black women, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, and esteemed Atlanta journalist Rose Scott, who will be recognized with the National Community Service Award. These remarkable women will be celebrated during the 3 p.m. commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center. The weekend will also feature a Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m., where social justice minister Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder will deliver an address to the graduating class.
The Class of 2024 consists of 504 degree candidates, with 325 receiving Bachelor of Arts degrees and 179 earning Bachelor of Science degrees. It is an impressive and diverse group of students who are ready to take on the world and make their mark. Spelman College is proud to have Angela Bassett as a part of their special day, and her words of wisdom will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the graduates as they embark on their next chapter.
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