The Spelman College community recently gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025 — the largest graduating class in the College’s history — during its Baccalaureate and Commencement services on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Despite having missed out on so many milestones and rites of passage and having entered the College amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2025 includes 694 degree candidates — 446 Bachelor of Arts and 248 Bachelor of Science degrees.
On Saturday, the 2025 Spelman College Baccalaureate Ceremony featured Reverend Dr. Thema Bryant as speaker. Known for her work as a recognized psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist and minister, Dr. Bryant encouraged the Class of 2025 to not devalue themselves and the gifts, skills, awareness and intelligence they each possess as educated Black women.
"The truth is we are a blessing to every boardroom, every political office, every laboratory, every corporation we enter. We are a blessing! We shift the atmosphere, and we elevate the vision. We've got oil! I've come to tell you to remember who you are and remember what you carry,” she said.
Dr. Bryant also reminded them to remember that they each are enough just as they are.
"The one who called you knows what you carry, and so, when God calls you, don't shrink, don't hide, don't apologize, don't assume you're too young, don't assume you're not enough. When God calls you, show up in full glory ‘cause that's what you were born to do."
On Sunday, Award-winning actress Taraji P. Henson served as speaker during the College’s 138th Commencement exercises. In a speech that recounted her own journey and her battles with mental health and wellness, Henson spoke about lineage and the power of resilience.
"And, right here at Spelman, you've educated six generations of scholars, artists, leaders and you, Class of 2025, are ushering in the 7th generation...The seventh generation, according to other studies, can break the cycle of pain and trauma for future generations. So, you are standing between the past and the future. That's a lot of weight to carry, I know. But it wouldn't be you if God and the universe hadn't chosen you, she said.”
Henson also encouraged the graduating class to seize the moment and to do good work in service of future generations — not in hopes of recognition on a broader scale.
"Now, don't wait for the moment where you feel seen. Exact your mission right away. Know your why. What you impact today may not be felt for seven generations down the line, but that's okay. Our ancestors didn't wait on, "You did a good job," or “I see you!”. They knew that you and I would be here today as a result of their efforts. So, don't be dismayed if what you do to serve humanity is not spread across headlines or social media...Focus on your own values and goals and flowers and trees and stay off other people's grass."
The College also awarded Henson an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during the ceremony.
Rounding out the Commencement occasion, Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, C’84, took a moment to reflect on her own time at Spelman before delivering a charge to the class of 2025.
"It is so wonderful to return to my alma mater...I return here feeling grateful, feeling humbled, and feeling so inspired. But, more than anything, inspired. Inspired by you, our students, the class of 2025,” she said. “Some days, I cannot believe I get a front row seat into the lives of young black women, and these young Black women happen to be my Spelman Sisters."
During her charge, President Brewer urged the graduating class to be self-aware, to be problem solvers and to lean into their passions while also prioritizing their holistic wellness as they write their next chapters.
“And just know that Spelman will always be with you. We will be your rock whenever and wherever,” she said. “This sisterhood is for a lifetime. Congratulations, and Godspeed."