Honorary degrees were given to Taraji P. Henson and Angela Bassett.
Taraji P. Henson, was the center of attention at Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, D.C., on Saturday May 7. The 51-year-old award-winning actress served as the commencement speaker for her alma mater, from which she graduated in 1995. Just moments before her moving speech, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.
Henson talked openly about ignoring negative feelings and using them as fuel for the journey ahead in her remarks. Before applause from the class of 2022, Henson said, “Find your bigger picture, bet on yourself, and let your peers’ success be your fuel, not your distraction.”
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Angela Bassett, an Academy Award nominee, was also one of the commencement speakers at Old Dominion University in Virginia last weekend, where she was also honored with an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
The 63-year-old actress expressed her gratitude for the honor on Instagram, posting a photo of herself holding the certificate and writing, “Education is truly the KEY!” #stillmakingmymommaproud.”
Among those also in attendance at the graduation ceremony at Howard University was the famous actor and comedian, Anthony Anderson. He received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and according to him, It was a dream come true; a dream that was 30 years in the making.
The 51-year-old took to Instagram to talk about his degree and express his heartfelt gratitude and joy.