ATLANTA — On Saturday, May 15, Clark Atlanta University will hold a dual commencement ceremony honoring the Classes of 2020 and 2021. Politician, attorney and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams will address the Class of 2020 during the 8 a.m. ceremony, followed by attorney, politician and political commentator Bakari Sellers, who will address the Class of 2021 during the 3 p.m. ceremony.
Like many universities across the country, Clark Atlanta University postponed its 2020 commencement ceremony due to COVID. But university leaders remained committed to making sure that students don’t miss out on this pivotal moment in their lives.
“We wanted to give our students the opportunity to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and be recognized for their hard work in a traditional ceremony,” said Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George T. French, Jr. “They have earned the right to experience that moment surrounded by their classmates, family and friends.”
An HBCU graduate and Georgia’s Democratic nominee for governor in 2018, Abrams, was scheduled to address 2020 Clark Atlanta University graduates before the pandemic postponed the ceremony.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to speak to the next generation of leaders graduating from Clark Atlanta University,” said Abrams. “I hope that my words serve as a source of encouragement for the graduates by reminding them of how they can use their education to uplift those who are often unseen and unheard and push our society forward.”
A New York Times bestselling author, Abrams served as the Ga. House of Representatives Minority Leader from 2011 to 2017. In 2018, she launched Fair Fight Action, a national voting rights organization rooted in Georgia.
A New York Times bestselling author, Sellers made history in 2006 as the youngest African-American elected official in the nation by winning a seat in the South Carolina State Legislature at age 22. Sellers, a CNN commentator and host of the Bakari Sellers Podcast, has been recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and made “The Root 100″ list of the most influential African-Americans.
“As an HBCU graduate myself, I can distinctly recall the pride and excitement I felt when I graduated,” said Sellers. “I hope to share a sense of optimism with these remarkable students as we honor their great accomplishments and look ahead to their bright futures.”
Clark Atlanta University President Dr. George T. French, Jr. recognizes the importance of having two Black leaders who have profoundly affected American politics and civil rights.
“Our goal here at Clark Atlanta University is to prepare our students to be globally competitive and to be successful contributors and trailblazers in their respective fields of study,” said Dr. French. “Hearing from Ms. Abrams and Mr. Sellers — two leaders who have already made a difference themselves — is a fitting way to send our students off fully prepared to take on the world.”
