Taraji P. Henson, Cornel West, T.D. Jakes give Atlanta HBCU keynote addresses

Commencement weekend in Atlanta was filled with powerful speeches, historic tributes, and joyous celebrations across several historically Black colleges and universities. Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College each held graduation ceremonies, honoring the achievements and resilience of their graduates.

At Morris Brown, Bishop T.D. Jakes inspired graduates with a rousing speech and pledged a $100,000 gift to the college. Morehouse’s ceremony, initially outdoors, was moved inside due to rain. Commencement speaker Cornel West encouraged the 511 graduates to be bold and courageous, while the college posthumously awarded an honorary degree to Dennis T. Hubert, a student lynched in 1930. Ava DuVernay and retiring President David A. Thomas also received honorary degrees.

Clark Atlanta celebrated 727 graduates at Georgia State’s Convocation Center, where President George T. French Jr. reminded students to thank their families. Commencement speaker Dr. Dennis Kimbro encouraged graduates to break through limitations, citing Clark Atlanta’s legacy of perseverance through decades of challenges.

Spelman College concluded the weekend, honoring its largest graduating class – 694 students. Interim President Roz Brewer praised their accomplishments, while actress Taraji P. Henson urged graduates to lean on sisterhood and honor the strength of Black women and their ancestors.

The weekend highlighted the enduring impact of HBCUs in shaping leaders, community builders, and changemakers.