Taraji P. Henson to Inspire the Class of 2025 as Spelman College’s Commencement Speaker

Acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson has been named the keynote speaker for Spelman College’s 138th Commencement Ceremony, the institution announced earlier this week. The historic event will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta, where Henson will address a graduating class of 694 remarkable students.

In addition to delivering an inspiring address, Henson will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious historically Black women’s college. This recognition highlights her extraordinary contributions to the arts, education, and social advocacy.

“Spelman College is deeply honored to welcome the incomparable Taraji P. Henson as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2025,” said Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer. “Her brilliance on screen is rivaled only by her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and advocating for empowerment. She embodies the spirit of resilience and purpose that defines our graduates, making her an ideal role model for this milestone moment.”

Henson, celebrated for her iconic roles in films such as Hidden Figures, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and most recently The Color Purple, has long been a beacon of excellence in Hollywood. A proud HBCU alumna herself, Henson founded the Boris L. Henson Foundation in honor of her late father, a decorated Vietnam War veteran.

The foundation is dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities and expanding access to culturally competent therapy and resources.

As she takes the stage to inspire Spelman’s newest trailblazers, Henson’s presence promises to be a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the limitless potential of Black women. For the Class of 2025, her words are sure to resonate as a powerful reminder of their capacity to lead, innovate, and effect meaningful change in the world.