Morehouse and Spelman colleges held their graduation ceremonies hours apart Sunday. Speeches included themes about anti-DEI efforts and a chilled corporate climate.
Credit: (Ben Gray for the AJC)
A student poses for a photo before the Morehouse College graduation Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Ben Gray for the AJC)
Two of America’s storied historically Black colleges celebrated Sunday as they collectively graduated more than 1,000 students.
To commemorate the day, Morehouse College hosted 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul as its keynote speaker while, hours later, Spelman College hosted political commentator Symone Sanders Townsend. Throughout the commencement speeches, both lauded the parents, guardians and the respective HBCUs for raising up the Class of 2026.
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Geondre Baldwin hugs Auntie Tasha Allen-Maximo under a huge cutout of himself held by his mother Nefertari Soleberry after receiving his diploma at the Morehouse College graduation Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Ben Gray for the AJC)
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NBA All-star Chris Paul receives an honorary doctor of humane letters during Morehouse College’s graduation Sunday, May 17, 2026. Paul later delivered the commencement address. (Ben Gray for the AJC)
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A student reacts after receiving his diploma at the Morehouse College graduation Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Ben Gray for the AJC)
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Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC
A graduate turned to wave to family and friends in the audience during the Spelman College Commencement ceremony at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
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Symone D. Sanders Townsend delivers the commencement address at the Spelman College graduation ceremony held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
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Valedictorian Sophia Michelle T. Davis delivers her speech during the Spelman College Commencement at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park on Sunday, May 17, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
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Jason Armesto is the higher education reporter for the AJC.
Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture team, UATL.
