Renowned Singer, Actress To Speak At Metro ATL College Graduations: See Who They Are

ATLANTA, GA — The stars will align at metro Atlanta commencements this year as few graduations are set to feature world renowned keynote speakers and guests.

The star-studded events will celebrate the work of thousands of college graduates across metro Atlanta.

Patch has the details by college or university below:

Spelman College

This week, Spelman College announced Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson will give the keynote speech as its 138th commencement ceremony.

Henson, who has starred in "The Color Purple (2023)" and "Hidden Figures," will additionally receive the doctor of fine arts honorary degree, college officials stated.

“Spelman College is deeply honored to welcome acclaimed actress and proud HBCU alumna Taraji P. Henson as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2025,” Spelman College Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer said in a news release.

“Her brilliance on screen is matched by her commitment to advocacy and empowerment, making her a powerful role model for our graduating students as they prepare to step into the world and lead in their own extraordinary ways. ..."

Dr. Thema Bryant, Pepperdine University psychology professor and author, will speak at the baccalaureate ceremony set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse in College Park.

Spelman will graduate 694 students, a new record for the Atlanta-based college. The commencement is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the convention center. A time was not readily available.

Emory University

Emory University graduates will get a chance to see Grammy Award-winner Usher Raymond IV speak as he delivers the keynote address at the university's 180th commencement.

Raymond, who claims Atlanta as his home and is of "Yeah!" fame, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony.

“I have spent my life following my spark — my passion — and trying to support young people as they find and follow their own passions,” Raymond said in a news release. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to these incredible Emory students as they graduate and prepare to make their mark on the world.”

Honorary degrees will be awarded to immunologist and geneticist Leonore Herzenberg and Susan Hassmiller, who a leader in nursing, health equity and leadership development.

Emory's commencement will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the university's Quadrangle, 201 Dowman Drive in East Atlanta.

Morehouse College

Activist Dr. Cornel West will keynote the commencement address for Morehouse College on Sunday, May 18.

The philosopher's speech will round out weeklong events for undergraduates and alumni. West is set to receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Morehouse, college officials stated.

"When They See Us" filmmaker Ava DuVernay and retired Morehouse President David A. Thomas will also receive honorary doctorates, college officials stated.

The 141st Morehouse commencement will take place at 9 a.m. on the Century campus, 830 Westview Drive SW in Atlanta.

Morris Brown College

This year's commencement speaker for Morris Brown College will be Bishop T.D Jakes, megachurch pastor and motivational speaker.

Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter's House in Texas, is an NAACP Image Award winner and was honored by BET in 2013. He was named among the 2015 Ebony Power 100 and has received the 2013 Stellar Award/Thomas A. Dorsey Award, as well as the 2012 McDonald’s 365Black Community Service Award.

Morris Brown will hold its commencement at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Saint Phillip AME Church, 240 Candler Road SE, in Atlanta.

More Colleges and Universities

Clarke-Atlanta University announced its 2025 keynote speaker will be The New York Times bestselling author Dr. Dennis Kimbro. CAU will host its commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia State University Convocation Center, 455 Capitol Ave SE in Atlanta.

The Georgia Institute of Technology is planning to host four ceremonies featuring: Mark Becker, president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, 5 p.m. Thursday, May 1, McCamish Pavillion; Fusen World Christopher Klaus, 9 a.m. Friday, May 2, McCamish Pavillion; UPS CEO Carol Tome, 3 p.m. Friday, May 2, McCamish Pavillion; Andrea Laliberte, retired executive at Coach and former professor, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 3, Bobby Dodd Stadium.

McCamish is located at 965 Fowler St. NW, and Bobby Dodd is located at 177 North Ave. NW. Both are in Atlanta.

Jarryd Wallace, four-time Paralympian and winner of two bronze medals, will give the keynote address at the University of Georgia. UGA will hold its commencement at 7:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium, 100 Sanford Drive in Athens.

Georgia State University has not yet announced its speaker.