This editorial was brought to you in partnership with Target. Target is proud to support Black businesses, Black creators and HBCU’s this Homecoming season and beyond: Black Beyond Measure
Tracee Ellis Ross officially has a degree from a historically Black college!
The renowned actress and entrepreneur received an honorary doctorate degree from Spelman College during its 136th Commencement ceremony.
Pulitzer Prize winner and the creator of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, delivered the address during the momentous occasion.
Addressing The Graduates
“I came to Spelman for the first time and there is a particular kind of quickening that happens in my heart when I’m in a sea of blackness, but when I get to swim in the particularly special current of Black sisterhood my heart rate settles, my shoulders drop, and I am reminded of my worthiness because I see yours,” Ross said after having her degree conferred during the ceremony on May 21.
Her Impact
The Pattern Beauty CEO received the degree for the impact she has made within the field of entertainment in honor of Black women.
With a career that spans more than three decades, Ross has breathed life into characters like Joan from the hit television series “Girlfriends,” as well as, Rainbow in another successful show, “Black-ish.”
She’s also tapped into her producer bag for “Hair Tales,” a docuseries that invites Black women to open up about their personal hair experiences and included accounts from women like Chlöe Bailey, Marsai Martin, Issa Rae, and more. The project was led by Joy Mill Entertainment, the production company led by Ross.
“I became a Spelmanite today and it was awesome,” said Ross in the caption of a video shared via Instagram. “Thank you @spelman_college and #drhelengayle for bestowing me with such an honor. Congratulations to the Class of 2023! It was really special to be robed with you. And thank you @nikolehannahjones [for] your powerful words.”
Her Fellow Spelmanites
She now joins the likes of illustrious women like Angela Davis, Bernice King, Debbie Allen, the late Maya Angelou, and more who have all received honorary degrees from the Atlanta HBCU, which can be seen here in an official Spelman College database.
