![Boo’d Up: Ludacris Throws ‘Fab’ Birthday Bash For Eudoxie… [PHOTOS]](http://cdn.straightfromthea.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Ludcris-FAB-Birthday-Party-10-520x547.jpg)
First Lady Michelle Obama delivered the keynote address to a crowd of more than 9,000 at Spelman’s graduation at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park yesterday (May 15, 2011).
Over 550 graduates received their degrees during Spelman’s 124th Commencement Ceremony.
The nation’s first African-American First Lady also became a Spelmanite yesterday as she received her honorary degree of Doctor of Law from one of the nation’s two historically Black colleges.
Award winning artists and sisters Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen also marched in with the class of 2011, as both received Honorary Doctorates.
Phylicia Rashad receives her honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.
*POST UPDATED 3/17/11: Video of Mrs. Obama’s Speech Added*
More photos and details below:
After a heartfelt introduction by Spelman President, Dr. Beverly D. Tatum, First Lady Michelle Obama Michelle Obama took to the stage and issued a challenge to the graduates.
VIDEO: FLOTUS Michelle Obama Addresses Spelman Graduates C/O 2011
“I want you to think about all those women who came before you,” the First Lady said. “They didn’t go around pointing fingers and making excuses. They focused on what they did have…their intellect, their courage, their determination, their passion.”
The speech brought many of the alumnae and 2011 graduates to tears.
“Wherever you go, you will find folks who have been discounted but have every bit as much promise as you have.”
Pushing the ladies to serve others, the First Lady encouraged the graduates to use the power of their education and networking to change their communities and change their world.
Candice Cannon, a member of South Fulton’s Westlake High School class of 2007 was in disbelief about the day’s events.
“The most touching part of the day was seeing Michelle Obama mouth the words ‘I’m a Spelman girl now’ after receiving her honorary degree.
That was so special to me. She’s joined our ranks!”
Mrs. Obama chose four schools, including Spelman, to address at graduation this year. She’s already spoken to the University of Northern Iowa and will address next the U.S. Military Academy graduates at West Point, and the 26 graduating seniors of Quantico Middle High School, whose parents serve at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
Director and choreographer Debbie Allen, actress Phylicia Rashad and Wendy Kopp, chief executive officer of Teach For America, were given big ovations when they received their honorary doctorates.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Congressman Hank Johnson also attended this year’s ceremony.
StraightFromTheA congratulates all the graduates of 2011!
Photos: Tammy Garnes (CascadePatch) and (AJC)
You may also like:
President Obama's 2013 Morehouse College Commencement Speech.... [FULL ...
Michelle Obama Finally Joins Twitter! Will She Be An Angry Black Woman ...
Picture Perfect! The Obama's First Dance of The 2nd Term... [PHOTOS + ...![It's Official! Michelle Obama is Way Cooler Than Your Mom... [PHOTOS]](http://imgcdn.nrelate.com/image_cache/straightfromthea.com/9ef54695f868aa21288eae27ea0a67d2_thumb_Michelle-Obama-Nickelodeon-Kids-Choice-2012-16-520x716.jpg "It's Official! Michelle Obama is Way Cooler Than Your Mom... [PHOTOS]")
It's Official! Michelle Obama is Way Cooler Than Your Mom... [PHOTOS]![Is Gabby Douglas Headed To Atlanta's Spelman College? [PHOTOS + VIDEO]](http://imgcdn.nrelate.com/image_cache/straightfromthea.com/d33c53e406218cfc39dca1e00235fb2b_thumb_gabby-douglas-olympics-520x686.jpg "Is Gabby Douglas Headed To Atlanta's Spelman College? [PHOTOS + VIDEO]")
Is Gabby Douglas Headed To Atlanta's Spelman College? [PHOTOS + VIDEO]![FLOTUS Michelle Obama Covers Vogue's Spring Edition... [PHOTOS]](http://imgcdn.nrelate.com/image_cache/straightfromthea.com/dc2aac009bfe521c4941ade1eda6dd3e_thumb_michelle-obama-vogue-520x710.jpg "FLOTUS Michelle Obama Covers Vogue's Spring Edition... [PHOTOS]")
FLOTUS Michelle Obama Covers Vogue's Spring Edition... [PHOTOS]
Jay-Z & Beyonce Host Presidential Fundraiser + President Obama Pays ...
Love it!
Love love love her!!!!!
@Felicia If you’d stopped hating for a minute and scrolled to the bottom of the post, perhaps you would have noticed the attribution given to both Tammy AND the AJC. But thanks for visiting! Always a pleasure to gain a new fan… (((hugs)))
O–I-<
I’m not hating. I did notice that you gave her credit for the pictures, but you certainly didn’t give her credit for the hard work she put into getting the quotes from those graduates. SHE called them. SHE tracked them down at the ceremony. You didn’t attribute HER article. You took her pictures, and put your logo on them, but you didn’t put your logo on the pictures you took from the AJC. Just incredible. Trust that I only “liked” this page so that I could tell you about yourself.
Oh Ok. You feel better now? Unlike at your leisure boo… Ta-Ta now…
This is great! Thanks for posting.
Haha! You better tell ATLien!
Hottest female in the game, no question. Beauty, class, self respect, education, committed relationship, supportive, etc. Many should take note of the aforementioned.
[...] International Convention Center in College Park yesterday (May 15, 2011). Read entire article at Straight From The ANas Scraps Lost Tapes 2 Rap Radar Rick Ross Meets Leonardo DiCaprio Complex Kelly Rowland Preps Here [...]
DAT’D B MY 1ST LADY, FO SHO!!! I WUD EXPECT NO LESS OF MY QUEEN!!! NOW I KNOW DAT DIS WUZ AN HONOR FO ALL SPELLMAN GURLZ!!! DUZN’T GIT ANY BETTA FO INSPIRATION ON WHERE 2 GO R SHOOT FO IN DIS LIFE!!! I’M LIKE DIDDY!!! I LOVE MICHELLE O’BAMA!!! N I LOVE MY PREZ! EVEN MO!!!()^*<,,GINA N MORIAH~^*<,,IN DA ATL!!!
u go girl
That’s MY 1st Lady!!!
[...] State Rep Publicly Criticizes Michelle Obama’s “Donkey Booty” [PHOTOS] FLOTUS Michelle Obama Address Spelman Graduates [PHOTOS + VIDEO] PHOTOS: The Obama’s Host Christmas in Washington w/Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson & More! [...]