Taraji P. Henson To Address Students At Spelman College’s 138th Commencement
Celebrated actress and mental health advocate will inspire the largest graduating class.
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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Spelman College has announced that Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, mental health advocate, and bestselling author Taraji P. Henson will deliver the keynote address at the institution’s 138th Commencement Ceremony. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia International Convention Center.
The Instagram announcement shared by Spelman College shows Henson will address what the college describes as “Spelman’s largest graduating class ever” – a remarkable group of 694 graduates. During the ceremony, Henson will also receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts and community service.
A Career Defined By Groundbreaking Roles
Taraji P. Henson has built an impressive career in Hollywood with iconic performances across film and television. Her portrayal of Katherine Johnson in the critically acclaimed film “Hidden Figures” earned her widespread recognition for highlighting Black women mathematicians’ overlooked contributions at NASA. Her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit series “Empire” further cemented her status as one of the most compelling actresses on television.
More recently, Henson has continued to expand her impressive filmography with roles in the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” and Tyler Perry’s “Straw.”
Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond her achievements in entertainment, Henson has established herself as a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the Black community. In 2018, she founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her father, who struggled with mental health issues following his service in the Vietnam War. The organization works to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in African American communities and increase the number of culturally competent mental health professionals.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Henson has also ventured into the business world with her hair care brand, TPH by Taraji. She has also partnered with Seven Daughters Wines, recently promoting their Moscato in social media posts where she shares cocktail recipes and announces upcoming events featuring the brand.
An Inspiring Voice For Graduates
Spelman College’s decision to invite Henson as their commencement speaker aligns with the institution’s tradition of featuring powerful voices who can inspire their graduating students. As an accomplished Black woman who has broken barriers in entertainment while maintaining a commitment to social causes, Henson represents many of the values Spelman strives to instill in its students.
About Spelman College
Spelman College, founded in 1881, is a historically Black college for women located in Atlanta, Georgia. The institution is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges and has a long tradition of producing accomplished graduates across numerous fields.
The 138th Commencement Ceremony featuring Taraji P. Henson will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia International Convention Center. For those interested in learning more about the commencement activities, Spelman has indicated that additional information is available through a link in their Instagram bio.
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