Spelman College will hold its 139th commencement ceremony on May 17 at the Georgia International Convention Center.
The Class of 2026 marks a new milestone for the college, with seven students sharing the title of valedictorian, according to a statement.
Symone Sanders Townsend, co-anchor of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight” and former press secretary for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, will deliver the keynote address. Sanders Townsend also served as a deputy assistant to former President Joe Biden and as a senior advisor and chief spokesperson for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We are truly thrilled to welcome Symone Sanders Townsend to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2026,” the statement said. “The breadth of Symone’s pursuits and depths of her influence make her the ideal person to inspire and move our graduates… She embodies the 21st century Renaissance woman that the Spelman woman seeks to emulate.”
Spelman will present its National Community Service Award to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, former CEO of Feeding America, during the ceremony. Babineaux-Fontenot was named to TIME magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, will address graduates during the baccalaureate ceremony on May 16.
Spelman College Interim President and Chair Emerita Rosalind “Roz” Brewer praised the guest speakers.
“We are equally proud to host a distinguished lineup of dynamic Black women throughout our weekend ceremonies, including visionary humanitarian Claire Babineaux-Fontenot and nationally respected faith leader the Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart,” she said. “This extraordinary group of women represents the very standard of leadership and impact we hope our graduates will carry into the world.”
