Alumni and students gathered under the night sky, illuminated by the stage lights on the Spelman lawn. Students’ rhythmic stomps and chants of the Divine Nine electrified the crowd as Spelhouse students, alumni, and families gathered for the 2025–2026 Homecoming Step Show.
Each year, the homecoming step show brings together Spelman and Morehouse students, alumni, and families to celebrate a cultural legacy that extends far beyond the stage. The event, was the kickoff to the tailgate weekend with sororities and fraternities performing routines that blended their unique craftsmanship while honoring the alumni who came before, while remixing it with contemporary music and themes.
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
This year, the Eta Kappa chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. brought the heat with a chef-themed performance that had the crowd on its feet. Dressed in crisp chef whites, the Deltas “cooked” to a playlist featuring GloRilla’s “Let Em Cook.” Their creative execution and sharp choreography earned them the top prize among the sororities. The night’s emcee, Jaden Palmer-Waldron, a junior finance major from Philadelphia and vice president of the Campus Alliance for Student Activities (CASA), kept the energy high throughout the show. “Events like this show the dedication our students have day in and day out,” Palmer-Waldron said. “It’s about celebrating their hard work, balancing school, and building something for the future. We need to invest in that.”
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
For many in the audience, their victory carried a deeper meaning. Alison Kean Wright, class of 1986 and a proud alumna member of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, said the performance transported her back to her own college years. “I used to step, so it brings back memories,” Wright said. “I definitely can’t do what they can do now, but it’s all about tradition and celebrating our sorority and our chapter.”
Another Delta and advisor to the current chapter, Joni Johnson Williams, class of 1987, said mentoring today’s members of the Eta Kappa chapter keeps her connected to the organization’s legacy. “Their energy and enthusiasm remind me why I wanted to be a member in the first place,” Williams said. “They always bring new ideas, and it keeps the tradition alive.”
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. followed with a creative Squid Game-themed routine that turned the arena into a neon-lit performance.
The fraternity competition was equally fierce. The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. delivered a cinematic performance inspired by ancient Egypt, complete with mummy-wrapped costumes and a museum-themed storyline that morphed into a high-energy dance sequence. Their set paid homage to Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” while mixing in contemporary hip-hop music; ultimately winning them first prize for the fraternities.
Zion Horn, a senior software engineering major from Chicago, said the team’s performance was the product of practice and focus. “Hard work and practice lead to preparation,” Horn said. “Even when you don’t see the results, you keep going. The crowd’s reaction made every step worth it.”
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (the “Q-Dogs”) capped off the night with a funk-filled spectacle straight out of the 1970s. Dressed in open-collar shirts, Afros, and flared pants, the Qs strutted down a Soul Train line to tunes such as “That’s the Way (I Like It)” by KC & The Sunshine Band, aiming to embody the spirit of the disco era with charisma and rhythm.
For first-year Spelman student Haley Buckner, a health science major from Nashville, the step show represented her first real taste of Spelhouse spirit. “It’s fun, the sisterhood, coming together, and having a break from studying,” Buckner said. “You really feel the energy of Spelhouse.”
Inspired by that act of courage, Morehouse students met to discuss how they, too, could challenge segregation in their city. Within weeks, hundreds of Atlanta University Center students joined what became known as the Atlanta Student Movement. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Morehouse College hosted the Sale Hall Annex Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony to honor the building as the site of the first student meeting to organize a movement demanding an end to segregation in Atlanta.
That pivotal meeting took place on Feb. 5, 1960, inside Sale Hall Annex, just four days after the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-in.
Inspired by that act of courage, Morehouse students met to discuss how they, too, could challenge segregation in their city. Within weeks, hundreds of Atlanta University Center students joined what became known as the Atlanta Student Movement, led by men of Morehouse in partnership with student leaders from Spelman College, Clark College, Morris Brown College, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.
Their coordinated activism transformed Atlanta’s civic landscape, helping to desegregate public buildings, lunch counters, restaurants, and theaters, and reverberated across the nation. The movement’s momentum also helped shift the Black vote nationally toward John F. Kennedy in the 1960 U.S. presidential election, influencing both local and national history.
Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Morehouse College faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders will gather to honor this legacy of student-led activism that reshaped Atlanta and inspired generations of changemakers. The dedication recognized Sale Hall Annex as a historic site of courage and conviction, where students transformed ideas into a movement that changed the course of civil rights in America.
Founder of the Atlanta Student Movement Trail and Councilman Michael Bond said former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen once said there were two things that caused Atlanta to rise to greatness, which was the advent of air conditioners that allowed businesses from the north to relocate to Atlanta and set up shop, with the other being the Atlanta Student Movement.
“The Atlanta Student Movement is the nickname Atlanta has that’s mostly been identified for the last 60 years,” he said. “In 2010, when I was chosen for this position, we put together a commission to honor the student movement to tell this story, and we erected 15 markers around the city categorizing the places.”
He also says there were almost 4,000 students at a time participating in the marches and they were no older than some of the students on campus today.
“These were 16–19-year-olds or younger, putting their bodies on the line for desegregation and freedom in America. The manifesto they adopted and the appeal on human rights was carried all over the world,” he said. “That manifesto became the model for other student organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and other student initiatives.”
Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Bond also says they want to be able to tell their authentic story for generations to come, and as his father said to him often, “this was the first successful slavery revoked since the end of the chattel slavery in 1865.
“This marker unveiling serves as an inspiration to the students here in the Atlanta University Center, but particularly those at Morehouse College, that the three students from Morehouse scholars were the catalyst that ignited this movement,” he said. “Someone else may try to erase our history, but it is up to us every day, every night to educate ourselves and our people about our history. The challenge is yours.”
Vice President for Student Services and Dean of the College Kevin Booker said during the ceremony they were standing on sacred ground made not by the soil beneath them, but by the courage of those who stood, sat, marched, and sacrificed over 65 years ago.
“We are rooted firmly and proudly because of those people who sacrificed and fought 65 years ago,” he said. “We honor the appeal for human rights and the manifesto that boldly called out the injustices of segregation and discrimination through the decades. They are words that still echo in our present struggles, reminding us that the fight for equality is not just for history. Atlanta changed because of America.”
He says the historical marker isn’t simply a symbol of what was, but of what must continue as a permanent testament to dedication and sacrifice.
Atlanta Student Movement veteran Rev. Amos Brown said we must remember what happened and remember those people who sacrificed and fought.
“We must remember what these people did to fight for a better future, but we cannot rest on that. We don’t realize it, but we’re at an extremely critical inflection point in our world in this country,” he said. “We got a crazy man in the White House who intends to put you back in slavery, and if you don’t believe it, just listen to what he’s saying and watch what he’s doing.”
He also says people need to go out and vote, and if you don’t vote, you should be ashamed of yourself.
Atlanta Student Movement veteran Dr. Georgianna Thomas said the movement can never be erased, only amplified.
“As we unveil this mark before Sale Hall, let’s remember the movement wasn’t only about marches and sit-ins, it’s about young minds in the classroom, our parents sent us here to go to school,” she said. “We can’t let it be erased.”
The Morehouse College golf and football programs have received gifts from the AMBF. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) is committing $50 million to four Atlanta University Center member institutions. The scholarship investment will be for 10 years, beginning in 2026, and will be awarded to Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College.
The $50 million is projected to assist close to 10,000 students at the institutions. The funding is from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Founder Initiative portfolio.
The AMBF was founded in 1995 by Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank. Since then, the foundation has gifted more than $1.5 billion to universities, charities, and local organizations and non-profits.
Some of that charitable giving has gone to HBCU’s, including $10 million to Spelman College’s Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, $6 million for improvements of athletic fields at Clark Atlanta, Albany State University, Miles College, and Savannah State University, $3 million to Morris Brown to digitize a one-year hospitality credential, and $400,000 to the Morehouse College golf program and new football helmets for the Clark Atlanta and Morehouse football programs.
Related
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donnell began his career covering sports and news in Atlanta nearly two decades ago. Since then he has written for Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Southern Cross…
More by Donnell Suggs
Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta CEO Jai Ferrell (above) has gone from being a former Girl Scout to running the organization’s Atlanta arm. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
It was a pleasant afternoon in the Bankhead neighborhood of Atlanta. The sun blanketed the sky, and the sound of construction from a new housing development filled the air.
As Jai Ferrell walked with her mother across from Liberty Baptist Church, they laughed and joked, their chemistry as natural as LeBron and Wade in the Finals.
Suddenly, a little girl paused while walking with her school group. She glanced up at Jai, shy but earnest. “You’re so pretty,” she said. Jai blushed and replied softly, “Awww, thank you.” The girl’s eyes sparkled, and her red polo glowed in the sunlight as she ran to catch up with her class.
Lolita Ferrell (above) continues to inspire her daughter, Jai Ferrell, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
For Jai, the moment was déjà vu. She had once walked these same sidewalks with her mother, orange soda in one hand, Funyuns in the other, headed to Liberty Baptist. Today, her name is recognized across social spaces, from the inner-city communities of Atlanta to globally recognized C-suite offices.
Before she would manage over $1.5 billion in revenue for the world’s busiest airport or break barriers as the first woman of color elected CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, she was simply Mookie—her childhood nickname. A little girl living on Columbia Drive, riding MARTA Bus 86 with her mother between school and work. Before she sparked a light in girls across the country, she first learned it from the woman who raised her. Ferrell’s story shows the power of a village and the unpredictability of life, both its highs and lows, but seeing through in the end.
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
The Foundation
On June 6, 1983, at Grady Hospital, Lolita Ferrell gave birth to her first and only child, J’Aimeka “Jai” Ferrell. The pregnancy had been unexpected for the teenage mother.
Lolita, a standout three-sport athlete at Southwest DeKalb High, didn’t realize she was pregnant until her ankles began to swell during basketball practice.
“At 16, I felt embarrassed, overwhelmed, and shocked—being 16 years old and pregnant,” she recalled.
Jai (right) and her mother, Lolita, on graduation day from Spelman College. Photo courtesy of the Ferrell family
Still, she pushed forward, finishing her junior season and graduating on time, determined to lay a solid foundation for her daughter’s future. From an early age, Jai’s charisma drew people in, her mother remembered.
“Jai was a unicorn… I knew she was going to be special. Raising Jai was a village effort,” Lolita said, crediting both her mother and herself with instilling life and love into Jai. “I never felt like we struggled. I always had a room, a car when my friends got theirs—but now I understand the work it took to make that happen.”
While working multiple jobs, Lolita led by example.
“My mother was my first Girl Scout troop leader,” Jai said of her first troop meetings, which were held at Liberty Baptist Church. Those early leadership lessons laid the blueprint for Jai’s future success.
Hoop Dreams
As Jai got older, her mother’s athletic genes began to kick in, too.
“As a child, I could go out and play with the baddest of the boys. I was rough,” Jai said. “I was exposed to volleyball and golf in fourth and fifth grade.”
Ferrell (above) wore the number 20 in honor of her mother, who also wore the number for the same high school basketball program. Photo courtesy of the Ferrell family
But basketball was her true passion.
“Basketball was my main sport. I tried track, but I don’t like running,” she laughed. “Then I got into basketball and realized I had to run anyway for conditioning.”
Standing six feet tall in high school, Jai played the power forward position on the same court her mother had played at Southwest DeKalb. Even her jersey number echoed her mom’s legacy.
“My mom wore number 20 in high school, so I wanted to wear it so badly,” she said. We actually had some of the same coaches, like Coach Dawson,” Jai recalled. “When he saw me in high school, he walked me and my mom over and said, ‘That’s the baby you had, huh? It was so weird.’”
Basketball served as the glue that connected Jai’s village.
“Basketball was a focal point in our relationship—my mom’s, Jai’s, and mine,” said Lolita. Both her mother and grandmother were courtside at most of Jai’s high school and AAU games. Her grandmother even ran concessions at her high school games, earning the nickname “Grandma” from the team.
As a standout on the court, Jai received offers from several NCAA Division I programs.
“I was really good at basketball, so I had a scholarship to the University of Georgia. I also had offers from Furman, Florida International, and UAB.”
By her senior year, however, she knew she didn’t want to play basketball past high school.
“I knew I wasn’t playing basketball anymore. I tell you, the scene where Monica from Love and Basketball was running at four o’clock in the morning—that did it for me,” she said jokingly.
In all seriousness, her certainty was largely influenced by the historic all-female school in the Atlanta University Center—a place she says changed her life.
Jai (center, left) and friends. Photo courtesy of the Ferrell family
Grandma’s Vision
“I remember growing up with my grandmother on English Avenue. Spelman was the school you wanted to be at,” Jai said.
From as early as she can remember, her mother and grandmother had envisioned her becoming a Spelman woman. When they passed the college on the way to church, they’d say, ‘There go your friends. That’s where y’all are going to the Morehouse games,’” Jai recalled.
By her senior year of high school, Jai’s choice of Spelman was her own, but it aligned with that vision. She remembered attending a program where she got to experience the day in the life of a Spelman student.
“That’s when I knew it was my school,” she said.
The honors student and Division I-scouted athlete applied to only one college, confident in her choice. “I had a poster that said, ‘Let her first step towards Spelman.’ I just knew it,” she reflected.
When she finally set foot on campus, Jai said it was enlightening. She was exposed to histories and social constructs about her Black identity through poets and writers like Sarah Bartman and Amiri Baraka.
But it was also humbling. “That was my first time really having to put forth effort. And I think that did me good,” she said.
Originally, Jai aspired to be a screenwriter and producer for television—a contrast to her current career. But everything changed after meeting a professor, Paul Thomason.
“I’ve been teaching for about 45 years on the college level,” said Thomason. “She was one of those students who really stuck out to me… I knew she was going to go far.”
“We used to call him Mr. T. He’s probably one of the most brilliant men I know,” Jai added.
Under his tutelage, Jai learned theatrical production, but the lessons extended beyond the stage. He taught her to use all her gifts and not limit herself to one aspect of theater. Taking Mr. T’s advice, Jai began using her interpersonal skills to market plays at Spelman and Morehouse, creating press releases and fliers to promote the theater department—an experience that would benefit her later.
After graduating from Spelman in 2005, Jai began working for Turner Broadcasting, initially in image branding with names like Anderson Cooper and Hank Aaron. She eventually became Director of Marketing at Turner Field. For Jai, it was full circle—she remembered going with her mother to Turner Field in middle school, and now she held a respected role for the same company.
The Unexpected
While working for Turner, she spearheaded and implemented new programs such as “Kids Run the Bases” at Braves games, a pregame DJ for fan experiences, and coverage of major events like Hurricane Katrina.
Everything changed in the fall of 2013.
“I was laid off. I remember it was two days before Halloween,” said Jai. “I was depressed. I was sad. I didn’t have a job, and I always had a job. Like, what was going on?”
It was a rough period. She went from being recognized as a success story—working for a major company with awards and recognition, her own office, and a “cool” job—to having all of it taken away, Jai explained.
“She started traveling on a dark road. We never thought something so traumatic would happen to her because she was always a winner,” said Jai’s mother.
Jai picked up odd marketing gigs, charging just enough to cover her car note and rent. Still, the money wasn’t enough. With her car close to repossession and struggling to pay rent, she found herself in unfamiliar territory.
“I was sitting in the parking lot of the labor and job office. I was at the unemployment office, and I was there with my nice BMW X5, featuring a Spelman sticker on the back and a tassel from my graduation. And all I kept saying was, ‘God, how did I get here?”
She went from spending frivolously on an upscale apartment and weekly dinners out, living off a six-figure salary, to surviving on $330 a week. At one point, she even considered moving back home.
At that time, her mother had just started working for the City of Atlanta. One day, while browsing the city’s job portal, she found two postings: Director of Aviation (DOA), Marketing Manager, and DOA Director of Marketing.
“I told Jai that she should apply,” her mother said.
“I don’t know anything about airports, like, I can’t do this job,” Jai remembered telling her,
In June 2015, Jai stepped into the role of Marketing Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport—and, as her mother put it, “the rest was herstory.”
New Heights
At Hartsfield-Jackson, Jai rose from Marketing Manager to Chief Revenue Officer at just 32, managing a $1.5 billion budget and technological innovation for a space with over 100 million annual visitors. She navigated the COVID pandemic, Ebola, and Zika under three mayors.
“So that was my first time really understanding how to juggle so many things at once,” she said. Her tenure gave her opportunities to be in rooms she never imagined, travel the world with her mother, and cultivate her identity.
However, the role came with challenges. In many rooms and meetings, Jai was often the only Black woman present. Though that was an accomplishment, history shows that such responsibilities have too often been weighed down by constant misogynoir.
“And because I’m so dedicated to my people, a lot of times I would show up because I’m showing up for them… even though I’m probably being persecuted, I’m being attacked for all kinds of things,” said Jai.
To the public, Jai seemed unshakable, fearless, and unfazed. But in reality… she was not okay.
“A lot of times, you can do something to the point where you have now self-destruction… You start realizing I don’t even recognize myself anymore.”
During a routine doctor’s visit to address constant headaches—something she thought came with age—the doctor told her, “Whatever level of stress you have, you need to eliminate it now.”
“I was like, ‘But I feel fine,’” she recalled. “He said, ‘Most Black women do until they die.’ And that’s when I knew.”
Before the age of 40, Jai was living a life many would wish for. Yet her health was failing: her heart overworked, her blood pressure elevated. It was simply too much.
With no job offer lined up and no clear next step, she made a decision. In April of 2024, after nearly a decade at Hartsfield-Jackson, Jai resigned.
She had realized the cost of her health wasn’t worth any career.
Jai Chi Era
A call came from Ebbie Parsons, cofounder of Diversified Search Group and Yardstick Management. The company’s mission was to place more women of color in senior leadership roles. He told Jai about a potential opening with “a local nonprofit,” without naming the organization.
At first, Jai didn’t think much of it, but she expressed interest. Weeks later, while sitting with her mother, she received a call inviting her to a panel interview. “And that was like God telling me,” Jai said.
Weeks after doing the panel interview, she received a call from Girl Scouts of America.
In June 2024, Jai Ferrell was appointed the first woman of color to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts Greater Atlanta, which has been in existence for over 100 years.
“Everywhere we’re turning, we’re told that we’re not good enough, that we don’t belong, that this wasn’t for us, when, in fact, our ancestors’ tears and sweat are how this even came to be,” she said.
Despite the recognition, Jai remains grounded. Her daily playlist still includes Jeezy and Sounds of Blackness. Beneath the titles and accolades, the little girl from Atlanta, Mookie, still lives within her.
“I make sure that I take my village with me in those rooms, because I am here because of the totality of everything,” she said.
The Democratic National Committee and several historically Black colleges and universities have been forced to evacuate or have locked down after receiving threats the day after far-right pundit Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an event on a Utah campus.
Capitol Police responded to a “potential security concern” at the DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, which was deemed to be a non-credible bomb threat.
“This afternoon, there was a bomb threat to DNC HQ that was determined to not be credible by the U.S. Capitol Police,” a DNC spokesperson told Axios. “Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol Police is conducting an interior sweep of the building. As DNC Chair Ken Martin has said, political violence in every form has no place in our country. We are grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police and DNC building security for responding quickly and professionally.”
Meanwhile, several HBCUs went under lockdown Thursday, including Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Hampton University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman Univeristy, and Clark Atlanta University, according to local news outlets.
Alabama State announced it would be suspending all campus activities on Thursday after a “terroristic threat” was directed at the campus. Police have since issued an all clear, though campus will remain closed. Southern University has also been cleared, but activities will main canceled throughout the weekend.
Shelter-in-place warnings have been lofted at Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, the Atlanta Police Department told Atlanta News First. Spelman officials told the outlet that while no threats have been made toward the college, due to their proximity to other universities facing threats they have “increased security presence across campus.”
Virginia State “remains on lockdown as we continue to prioritize the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” it said in a statement, adding that “VSU Police, in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, is actively investigating the credibility of the threat received earlier today.”
Hampton University also canceled classes for Thursday and Friday, saying in a statement, “Hampton University has received notice of a potential threat and has ceased all non-essential activity, effective immediately.”
The Daytona Beach Police Department said in a statement that it is “actively investigating a reported threat directed at Bethune-Cookman University” and that “the campus has been placed on lockdown while officers work to ensure the safety of the students and staff.”
While law enforcement has not confirmed what motivated the threats, they come one day after Kirk, the anti-LGBTQ+ commentator who founded Turning Point USA, died after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Despite no suspects or motivations being known, conservatives online have blamed “the left” for Kirk’s murder and vowed revenge.
Democratic Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana, where Southern University is located, strongly condemned the threats against Black institutions in a statement posted to social media, saying that “HBCUs are pillars of excellence, resilience, and progress. They have nurtured leaders, broken down barriers, and carried forward the torch of justice and equality in America. Any threat against them is a threat against us all.”
“I am calling on the full weight of the federal government — including the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI — to utilize every available resource to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible,” Carter said. “These attacks cannot be tolerated, minimized, or ignored. They must be met with swift and decisive action.”
Morehouse-James Hall, which was built in 1901 and last renovated in 1979. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the U.S. initiated a lockdown or shelter-in-place order on Thursday morning after receiving potential threats made against the universities. As of Thursday afternoon, those schools included Virginia State University, Hampton University, Alabama State University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Georgia HBCUs Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morris-Brown, and Clark Atlanta University.
Spelman, Morris-Brown, and Morehouse announced their lockdowns after Clark Atlanta received a direct threat. Out of precaution and due to their close proximity, the schools initiated their own lockdowns and increased security presence around campus. The shelter-in-place for Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta has since been lifted.
In a statement made by Clark Atlanta to The Atlanta Voice through text, the university said:
“We were addressing a situation on campus that requires a shelter-in-place notice as a precautionary measure. That shelter-in-place mandate has been lifted.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the campus community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our priority is the safety of all students, faculty and staff.”
Schools advised faculty, staff, and students to shelter in place and avoid the campus. Southern University in Louisiana, Virginia State, and Hampton University have canceled Thursday and/or Friday classes, disrupting the academic year less than a month in. These threats come on the day of remembrance for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a day after American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event.
In several social media posts, officials urge students to remain alert and report anything suspicious. CAU campus police, in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department, are actively investigating threats made to the campus.
On Saturday, September 20, at 1 PM, a distinguished panel discussion will be held, featuring Dr. Amalia Amaki, assor, acclaimed visual artist, and thought leader in African Ame respected proferican art, alongside Ms. Anne Collins Smith,
an accomplished art historian, curator, and faculty member at Spelman College, where she previously served as Curator of Collections and Director of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. Currently, she holds the position of Chief Curator at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This event is complimentary and open to the public; however, registration via RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, click HERE.
Moderated by Halima Taha, Artistic Director of Hammonds House Museum, this inspiring conversation will illuminate the networks of mentorship, scholarship, and activism that have nurtured generations of artists and celebrate how Black Zeitgeist, and its community partners, continue to shape Atlanta’s vibrant arts ecosystem. The curators will also reflect on their collaboration for the museum’s Black Zeitgeist exhibition, the legacy of artistic innovation, and the creative power that has defined Atlanta as a national center for Black visuals arts and culture.
Hammonds House Museum is a 501(c)3 arts organization whose mission is to celebrate and share the cultural diversity and important legacy of artists of African descent. The former residence of the late Dr. Otis Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and passionate arts patron, the museum is in a beautiful Victorian home at 503 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Hammonds House Museum’s 2025 exhibitions are supported by a series of workshops, public programs and civic engagement activities which serve as opportunities for the community to have a deeper experience with the artworks. For information about upcoming events, to join the mailing list, become a member, or plan your visit, go to the website: www.hammondshousemuseum.org.
Hammonds House Museum is generously supported by Fulton County Board of Commissioners through the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, National Performance Network, The Estate of Dr. Doris Derby, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, as well as donors and members.
“Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times”(above) was made available for purchase before the fireside chat. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President emerita of Spelman College, launched her book tour on Wednesday evening. She discussed the challenges rocking higher education and the tough leadership decisions that defined her 13-year tenure at the historically Black women’s college.
Speaking before a packed audience of students, alumni, faculty, and supporters at Spelman’s Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center Auditorium, Tatum presented her latest work, “Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times.” The timing proved apt as moderator & WABE journalist Rose Scott for the fireside chat opened the evening by addressing breaking news about Emory University’s decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, setting the stage for the conversation to follow.
Bold Decisions and Health Priorities
One of Tatum’s most controversial decisions during her tenure as Spelman’s president from 2002 to 2015 was discontinuing Spelman’s NCAA Division III athletics program in 2012. The choice sparked fierce debate but grew from genuine concern about student wellness during a pivotal moment in her presidency.
The catalyst came during a sparsely attended basketball game as the Great South Athletic Conference dissolved around schools seeking more competitive opportunities. Tatum said, “I was sitting watching the basketball game, five players on the court, and five people, maybe on the bench, and hardly anybody in the stands,” Tatum recalled. “And while I was watching this game, I had an ‘aha’ moment and the little whisper said, ‘flip it.’”
Tatum had discovered research showing young Black women had the highest rates of physical inactivity among all demographic groups, leading to early onset diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. By investing in comprehensive wellness programs instead of traditional athletics, she saw transformational potential aligned with Spelman’s mission. By investing in comprehensive wellness programs instead of traditional athletics, she saw an opportunity for transformational impact.
“We could change not only the trajectory of our students, but our students would change the trajectory of their families, their communities,” she explained.
Learning from Leadership Challenges and Broader Patterns
When asked about the correlation between Black women achieving the highest college graduation rates and changing attitudes toward higher education, Tatum offered her perspective on broader social patterns affecting academic leadership.
“There’s a pattern of devaluing activities when they become feminized,” Tatum observed. “As campus communities have become more diverse, as there has been greater access on the part of people of color to higher education, there is less public support for it.”
Her analysis of Claudine Gay’s treatment, Harvard’s 30th president, provided a specific example of these dynamics at work. Tatum noted the stark difference in public response when Gay resigned compared to Stanford’s president, Marc Tessier-Lavignewho had stepped down six months earlier over similar academic integrity concerns.
“When he stepped down, people didn’t call him a DEI hire,” Tatum pointed out. “People expressed regret that he was leaving, and that’s the difference.”
Despite these challenges, Tatum emphasized the enduring importance of higher education’s mission, referencing a 1945 Truman Commission that identified three essential purposes: maintaining democracy, fostering international cooperation, and applying creative thinking to complex problems.
“We need people who have an understanding of history, who recognize history when it’s repeating, who are able to think critically about the social challenges that are part of our democratic process,” she said.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Washington
Leading Through Crisis
During Q&A, Tatum shared the personal philosophy that guided her through multiple crises. Asked about courage, she reframed fear: “Fear stands for false evidence appearing real.”
“It’s not that the fear goes away when you’re taking courageous action, even when you’re afraid. You act even in the presence of fear,” she said.
This philosophy was tested during what she called “a president’s worst nightmare”, when responding to the killing of Jasmine Lynn, a student at Spelman in September 2009. Despite staff assurances, she immediately returned to campus from Washington, D.C.
“In a moment like that, you have to be there,” she said simply.
The evening concluded with a book signing for attendees.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Spelman College hosted a screening of Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed, a documentary chronicling Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 campaign as the first Black woman to run for president of the United States. The screening took place on campus in the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Ed.D. Auditorium.
This screening aligns with the 2024 presidential election currently featuring Kamala Harris, the first female and African American Vice President, who is the current Democratic presidential nominee.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
“Looking for a road to freedom, take the Chisholm trail.” These lyrics were sung by Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH Choir during Shirley Chisholm’s history-making run for President of the United States. The phrase “Chisholm Trail” is a clever play on words, connecting Shirley Chisholm’s name with the historic cattle-driving route used in the post-Civil War era. Just as that trail symbolized progress and opportunity, Chisholm’s presidential run carved a new path in the post-Civil Rights era, inspiring generations to pursue political freedom and representation, a message particularly relevant as the 2024 election approaches.
The documentary, opened with a rap ad from the “Rock the Vote” campaign, aimed at encouraging youth involvement in politics. From there, it moved to Chisholm’s 1972 announcement of her candidacy for president, setting the tone for the film’s exploration of her groundbreaking campaign. Chisholm was not only the first Black woman to run for the highest office in the nation, but she also broke new ground as an African American in U.S. politics.
The film, which runs 1 hour and 17 minutes, provides a rich look at Chisholm’s life, including her family’s move from Barbados to New York and her rise in political advocacy. It also features testimonials from key figures in her life, such as Victor L. Robles, her ex-husband Conrad Chisholm, Octavia Butler, Reverend Walter Fauntroy, and Bobby Seale.
Following the screening, a panel discussion was held featuring the film’s director, Shola Lynch, who made her directorial debut with this documentary in 2004, and is now the Diana King Endowed Professor at Spelman College. Joining her was Dr. Ayoka Chenzira, Professor Emerita of Art and Visual Culture at Spelman. The two engaged in a thoughtful conversation about Chisholm’s legacy and the impact her candidacy had on future generations of women and people of color in politics.
“If I couldn’t see her, how would the rest of the world see her?” Lynch recalled, referring to the lack of media coverage around Chisholm’s run. “The news didn’t cover her run for president because nobody thought that she would win.” Lynch also spoke about the research process behind the documentary. “It’s not a documentary if you don’t do research,” she said, remarking on the importance of digging into archives, especially for Black history, which is often under-documented. “Even in the film, the best footage was taken by two students who talked Chisholm into letting them follow her around.”
The discussion was opened up to audience questions, allowing attendees to reflect on their personal connections to Chisholm’s legacy and how her story resonates today. During the Q&A session, Lynch reflected on how history is much like a relay race, with each generation building on the last. “We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Shirley Chisholm, and I wish she was around to see it,” Lynch said. She noted that Chisholm was not the only trailblazer, mentioning others like Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama, whose campaigns furthered the legacy Chisholm helped create.
Lynch also challenged the audience to think about their own activism. “If you’re a political person, if you’re an activist, if you believe in justice, how is that part of your life every day?” Lynch asked, urging everyone to reflect on how they can honor the work of leaders like Chisholm by actively participating in shaping the future of political freedom and representation.
As Chisholm stated in the documentary, “I want to be remembered as a woman who fought for change in the 20th century.” Her legacy, evident in the 2024 election and beyond, knowingly, or unknowingly continues to inspire and encourage a new generation of political activists and leaders.
Movement School, a network of free public charter schools, recently gained state approval to operate in Georgia. With schools already open in North Carolina and South Carolina, Movement School CEO Kerri-Ann Thomas chose Southwest Atlanta to introduce their brand to the local school system.
According to Thomas, Movement School’s journey to opening in Georgia was challenging. Despite numerous setbacks, including initial denials at local and state levels, the school persevered.
“We’ve been trying to enter the Georgia region for over two years. Our determination to the families and community outweighed the challenges,” Thomas said.
Movement School currently serves pre-K through fifth grade. Thomas highlighted the school’s focus on early childhood education and its comprehensive multi-county transportation service as standout features.
“There are lots of [charter] schools that don’t have the ability to provide transportation for students. The fact that we are a charter school approved by the state allows us to accept students from multiple counties,” Thomas said. “We go after the pre-K experience because the achievement gap actually starts at age three. Our goal is to become experts in that area.”
Movement School is also connected to Movement Mortgage. In partnership with the school, Movement Mortgage offers down payment assistance to eligible parents and staff to promote home ownership to close the wealth gap.
“The mortgage company has a philanthropic spirit, donating to the school because closing the achievement gap is a great cause,” Thomas said.
Thomas, a Spelman College graduate and a small business owner in Castleberry Hill, said she was drawn to Movement School because it values community partnerships.
“Lots of schools use [corporations] for lunch services. At Movement, we partner with a local restaurant that reflects the population we serve,” Thomas said. “This approach enriches the students’ experience and supports local businesses, creating a positive economic impact.”
Regarding inclusivity, Thomas explained that Movement School honors its commitment to every student by delivering a robust special education program.
“At all Movement Schools, we accept all students, and ‘all’ truly means all. Even within our first opening year, we have a special education coordinator,” Thomas said. “So, we provide resources, even at a more senior leadership level in that department. That’s additional funding going toward that population of students.”
Thomas said Movement School shows resilience in navigating political challenges, particularly around curriculum content. She shared their strategy to ensure the school delivers an inclusive and accurate education.
“We believe our children deserve to see books reflecting their experiences. Thomas said the texts and books placed before them are vetted [for] accuracy, especially with history. “There should be a diversity of books, ideas, and accuracy of information. [In] the written document of how our charter will be run, we spell out the curriculum we use.”
Looking ahead, Movement School is set to open at 1950 Sullivan Rd. in August 2025—a milestone that Thomas said her team eagerly anticipates—with a mission to provide high-quality education, foster community partnerships, and promote inclusivity.
“We provide that partnership element, and what that then does is create a tide of success within that overall community, Thomas said. “We’re not becoming like this conglomerate trying to take over and do everything. Instead, we’re partnering.”
Award-winning legendary film and television actress and director Angela Bassett (above) received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during Spelman College’s 137th Commencement exercises Sunday afternoon in College Park. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. – The woman behind the podium answered her own question immediately after she asked it to the room full of Spelman College soon-to-be graduates.
She said, “Could the day be any more glorious and could you be anymore beautiful?’” She answered, “I think not.”
Multi-time award-winning actress and director Angela Bassett, star of stage and screen, delivered the commencement speech during the 2024 Spelman College graduation exercises on Sunday afternoon in College Park. The exercises took place inside the Georgia International Convention Center.
Upon taking the stage to immense applause following an introduction by Spelman College President Dr. Helene D. Gayle, Bassett had the crowd in the palm of her hands. Her many messages to the graduating class of 2024 ranged from recounting her youth in St. Petersburg, Florida and the empowerment and high expectations for excellence that her mother had set for her and sisters to keeping your head high out in the world after you walk across the stage as a Spelman College graduate.
“There will be times when you may feel like the unnamed Black women, this is especially true when you come across people in your work place and in your community, and your own home, who may not see your full humanity and all of your glory. But it’s in those moments that I want you to remember who you are, raise your head and embody the queen that you have been prepared to be.”
A graduate of Yale University and the school’s School of Drama, Bassett made a point of emphasizing using the education that the graduates received at Spelman College, while also following their dreams. She told a story about seeing a play while in high school on a trip to Washington D.C., being moved and knowing at that moment that she wanted to make people feel the way she felt when she watched people perform the arts.
She would go on to begin her acting career at a local theater in her hometown, go on to Yale and when she told people she would be pursuing acting she recalled a not so positive response from some of them.
Angela Bassett. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
“I was supposed to go to law school, or become a scientist, or a doctor,” she said. “Anything but an artist.” During the early portions of her career she told the graduates, their families, and the Spelman faculty assembled in the room that she worked “odd jobs” in between acting auditions. The message: All of those little steps got her to where she is today.
“Every single opportunity matters,” she explained.
Bassett, a wife and mother who is preparing to begin the collegiate journey with her children, called Spelman College “the Mecca of Black excellence and Black womanhood. She even took a moment to compare it to a fictional country from one of the more popular movies she starred in.
“Spelman College is the higher education equivalent of Wakanda,” Bassett said to thundering applause. “This special place has prepared you for greatness” and “When the world tells you to be quiet, speak up.”
She closed her time on stage with, “Your tomorrow starts today.”
Actress and director Angela Bassett (not shown) and Supreme Court Justice Dr. Kentaji Brown Jackson (center) were awarded honorary degrees during the commencement exercises on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Bassett and Supreme Court Justice Dr. Kentaji Brown Jackson were awarded honorary degrees. Bassett received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree and Brown Jackson received Doctor of Laws. WABE personality and the host of “Closer Look” Rose Scott was also honored. She was awarded the National Community Service Award which is given by the Spelman College Board of Trustees.
The invocation was delivered by The Reverend Dr. Neichelle Guidry, Dean of Chapel at Spelman College. During the prayer Guidry spoke of the graduates being in this place at this time to honor God.
“We are gathered in this place at this appointed time to say thank you,” she said. “You have been present God.”
Guidry would also deliver the benediction before the recessional ended the exercises.
A Spelman College professor joined the “speak out” Wednesday morning. A trio of Morehouse faculty (not shown) also spoke out against the war in Gaza and President Biden’s upcoming visit to Morehouse on May 19. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
What was labeled as a student “speak out” and not a protest, took place on the campus of Morehouse College in front of the Walter E. Massey Leadership Center Wednesday morning.
Dozens of students from various universities and colleges within the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) installation in the country took a stand against what has been taking place in the Middle East.
A number of Atlanta University Center (AUC) students took turns speaking out against the war in Palestine. There was also a member of Spelman College’s faculty that also spoke out against the violence in Gaza.
“We tell Biden to fuck off and don’t come to the AUC,” said one professor that did not give her name.
“We need a ceasefire now. No more lives need to be lost,” said Natalie, a Spelman College student who shared that her father was killed by police in January. “The AUC and the West End does not support genocide.”
Chants of “Listen to the students. The students are never wrong,” “Stop Cop City,” “Hands off Rafa” and “Free Palestine” filled the air in between students taking turns speaking out against everything, including United States President Jospeh R. Biden coming to Morehouse College to give the commencement speech at graduation later this month.
“We just don’t want our tax dollars used for war,” said student media liaison Malik P., a Morehouse rising senior. “Period.”
Morehouse College rising senior Malik P. spoke with the media before the “speak out” began. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Along with Morehouse College President David A. Thomas and Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was also targets of chants during the speak out.
“No peace on Spelman land. No peace on Morehouse land. No peace on gentrified land.”
Whether planning a date night for your boo, looking to hang out with your closest friends, or just wanting to explore solo, each day should be filled with memorable experiences and time shared with those that mean the most to us.
ByLeCreme is a luxury candle maker and retailer based in downtown Atlanta. ByLeCreme offers luxury candle and fragrance making experiences within its brick-and-mortar inviting Atlanta natives and visitors to curate candle and fragrance takeaways throughout an elevated experience for singles and groups alike.
The Atlanta Voice spoke with founder of ByLeCreme, Sakari Sanders, about her business, business plans, and advice for other entrepreneurs.
Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
The Atlanta Voice: Why did you decide to start your ByLeCreme?
Sakari Sanders: I decided to start ByLeCrème because I recognized a need for a brand that extended beyond product, but that spoke to a lifestyle rooted in luxury, confidence and transformation for the body and home. I initially worked in an art gallery and the entrepreneur in me wanted to sell everything that complimented the piece of art in a home, in addition to the art itself. ByLeCrème is more than a brand; it’s a celebration of individuality, self-confidence, and an encouragement to express one’s unique identity. We embody the essence of being the creme de la creme, offering unique experiences and luxury lifestyle products for those seeking something extraordinary.
AV: Was there a moment that inspired you to start this business?
SS: Starting ByLeCrème was a journey sparked by various moments in my life. Back in high school, I discovered my knack for business, and at Spelman College, I fine-tuned my skills in critical thinking through the creative lenses of art and marketing. Juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother, this pursuit of financial independence wasn’t just about stability—it became my guiding star, giving me these feelings of confidence and autonomy where I didn’t have it before. In spotting a gap in the market, I realized ByLeCrème had to be more than just products; it had to embody a lifestyle, embrace certain values, and offer experiences. At the time, I noticed that everyone wanted their home to have the same aesthetic – the artwork, decor and candles were all too similar. I wanted to create a decor/candle line that stood out, started conversations, and when people looked at the products, they knew it was a “ByLeCrème” piece not only from the overall look but also the quality of the product. I wanted to build a brand that resonated across generations—something my grandmother, mother, daughter, and future generations could connect with – a brand that tells the story of each person’s unique journey through time.
AV: What makes your candle brand, luxury?
SS: It’s all about the details and the experience we’re crafting. We’re not mass-producing these – each ByLeCrème candle is hand-poured in small batches, and that’s the secret sauce for creating that one-of-a-kind scent. But it’s not just about the process, it’s about the consumer journey. ByLeCrème is committed to helping individuals unveil their best selves. Our custom candles and fragrances are more than just a pleasant scent, they are meant to bring out the feeling of being the best version of you. The question, “Why do you smell so good?” becomes an invitation to share the confidence that ByLeCrème inspires.
Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
AV: Is there a mentor in your life that inspired/inspires you as a business owner?
SS: In this journey, I’ve found tremendous value in the support of mentors, like Shari Mhango a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Koncept House Anthony Gee. They and others have been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges and foster growth. As a Black woman in a DTC business, I recognize the importance of humility and continuous learning. Leveraging these opportunities has been transformative, contributing to the evolution and success of ByLeCrème.
AV: Tell me a little bit about the ByLeCreme experience?
SS: The best part about the custom ByLeCreme experiences, is that it’s 100% catered to your wants and needs:
· Luxury Candle Making Experience: You get everything you need to create your own 8oz luxury soy candle. From picking a vessel and blending your fragrance to adding cool stuff like dried blooms or crystals, it’s a hands-on adventure to make a candle that’s uniquely yours. Pricing starting at $99 for a public session and $1,000 for a private session. To book, visit https://www.bylecreme.com/luxury-experience
Luxury Perfume Making Experience: Crafting your own signature 1.7oz eau de parfum. Happening weekly in Downtown Atlanta, this in-person event is led by expert perfumers who walk you through the basics of perfume making. With their guidance, you’ll create a unique fragrance using top-notch ingredients. Pricing starts at $65 for a public session. To book, visit https://www.bylecreme.com/luxury-experiences
AV: What are your business goals for the remainder of the year?
SS: Looking ahead, we are strategically expanding our outreach to new markets via consumers who share our commitment to inclusivity.
AV: Any advice to future business owners about taking the plunge?
SS: To aspiring business owners considering taking the plunge, I’d say, drawing from my own journey, it’s okay not to have all the answers from the start. I certainly didn’t get everything right immediately. It took some trial and error to discover what sets ByLeCrème apart. Through this process, I’ve learned to value the importance of honing your business skills, particularly as a Black women entrepreneur. You’ll find the most success when you find a balance between creativity and strategy. Embrace the learning curve, be open to adapting, and recognize that growth often comes when you push past those nervous butterflies.
For the first time in the U.S., students of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) will have the opportunity to complete a four-year college degree in which the last two years of the curriculum are devoted to equipping them with the skills to succeed in media sales, operations, and marketing starting in the Fall of 2026.
Juniors and seniors at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), Morehouse College, and Spelman College will beeligible to register for the courses. The curriculum will be derived from the
successful Media Sales Institute (MSI) curriculum, which prepares and pre-qualifies college graduates for careers in media sales, operations, and marketing departments.
Founders of the MSI – the leading talent development program for diverse media sales
professionals – unveiled plans for the new Media Sales curriculum on June 15, 2023, at the NationalAssociation of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB)/MSI graduation at Morehouse College with its “inaugural” media partner, Gray Television and the CAU School of Business and Division of Communications Arts within the School of Arts & Sciences.
The leadership team from CAU, Gray Television, and the MSI Foundation principles met in late Septemberto discuss the launch of the Media Sales Department (MSD) curriculum. The design, research, development, and accreditation of the curriculum are forecasted to
take five years.
Housed at CAU’s School of Business, the new curriculum will focus on radio, television,
cable, print, digital, and interactive media sales to address the media industry’s challenge of ensuring a diverse workforce. It will be open to students in all majors at the AUC.
Dean of the CAU School of Business Silvanus Udoka said, “I am proud and excited to be a part of thisinitiative and partner with the MSI Foundation, along with the media industry to offer the first collegiate concentration in media sales, operations, and marketing in the country! Building on the very successful MSI curriculum, the expanded reach that this
program will offer promises to accomplish our shared goals of sustained creation of primed media sales professionals for today and tomorrow.”
MSD Developers Jeffrey P. Myers and Dana Myers have teamed up with the NABOB
Telecommunications Education and Management Foundation for more than 20 years to provide professional development that prepares graduates to hit the ground running as they begin their careers in media sales.
Jeffrey P. Myers said, “Our strategy is the best long-term plan to recruit diverse, pre-
screened, and highly qualified entry-level employees into the media industry. Building this curriculum and partnership has been part of a 20-year journey that started with the MSI
program in 2000. We are proud of an amazing alumni network that consists of more than 1,000 graduates being employed in media sales departments.”
Sponsoring companies will have the opportunity to serve as “adjunct professionals” and “adjunct practitioners” throughout the curriculum’s design.
“Gray is excited to be part of this innovative approach to preparing students for the ever- changing world of media sales,” said Gray President and Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney. “The
entire industry will benefit from having students who will have spent years learning how best to help advertisers tell their stories across so many platforms.”
The MSI Foundation and their funding partners will underwrite the five-year design cost. Starting in 2028, the program’s cost will be supported by student enrollment at CAU’s
School of Business and the Division of Communication Arts in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Students at Georgia’s Spelman College welcomed one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, among countless other parents, this weekend for its annual homecoming festivities ― and it was really no big deal at all.
Photos shared on social media show actor Angelina Jolie walking alongside her daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt across Spelman’s Atlanta campus Saturday. The “Eternals” and “Maleficent” star wore a beige coat over a casual black ensemble, and by all accounts, appeared to be in a good mood, happily interacting with fans and posing for photos.
Angelina Jolie just casually walking around with her daughter at Spelman during Homecoming
“Yo! Angelina Jolie is real one! She was in the middle of SpelHouse homecoming crowds w/her daughter,” one person tweeted, referring to the shared festivities between Spelman and neighboring Morehouse College. “No security or anything!”
Added another: “I really met Angelina Jolie. The original bad bitch. And she’s FLAWLESS in person. My day is complete, thanks Spelhouse.”
Others said they appreciated just how low-key Jolie’s on-campus appearance was, noting that the actor didn’t make an effort to draw attention away from her daughter or other students at the historically Black women’s college.
At one point during the day, the mother-daughter duo also expressed their support for Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams, who is running for governor.
Zahara Jolie-Pitt with her mom, Angelina Jolie.
Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
Jolie confirmed that Zahara, 17, would be attending Spelman this summer, but has not shared her daughter’s field of study.
“Zahara with her Spelman sisters! Congratulations to all new students starting this year,” the mother of six wrote on Instagram in July. “A very special place and an honor to have a family member as a new Spelman girl.”
Jolie’s Spelman appearance came just one day after she signed on for a new, much-buzzed-about movie role. On Friday, it was confirmed that the actor will star as American-born Greek opera star singer Maria Callas in “Maria,” a forthcoming biopic from “Jackie” and “Spencer” director Pablo Larraín.
