Called to This Moment:
The 2025 Tougaloo College Commencement Ceremony
Under the canopy of Tougaloo's historic oaks, the Class of 2025 gathered on the Campus Green, marking a poignant transition from students to alumni. The ceremony celebrated not just academic achievements but the enduring spirit of resilience and purpose that defines Tougaloo College. As eagles soared overhead, they bore silent witness to a new generation poised to carry forward the College's rich legacy.
Baccalaureate: A Prelude in Praise and Purpose
In the sacred space of Woodworth Chapel, sunlight filtered through stained glass, illuminating a congregation of family, faculty, and friends. The Tougaloo College Concert Choir's rendition of “He’s the Lily of the Valley” filled the chapel with harmonious reverence.
Reverend Cassius Rudolph delivered a stirring homily, urging graduates to embrace their divine purpose and the transformative power of their voices, rooted in the legacy of justice and leadership cultivated at Tougaloo
“And now, go forth in courage, knowing that your voice matters. Go forth in compassion. Standing on the legacy of Tougaloo College, a place where justice was pursued, truth was spoken, and leaders are shaped. Go forth in confidence because you are somebody. Somebody formed by God, somebody strengthened by the struggle, and somebody equipped to change the world.”
Commencement: A Crown of Legacy, A Launch into Destiny
As sunlight bathed the Campus Green, the ceremony unfolded not just as celebration, but as coronation — honoring minds sharpened, spirits lifted, and futures ready to be shaped.
Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters were bestowed upon:
- The Honorable Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Congresswoman for Texas’ 30th District, recognized for her unwavering advocacy and moral clarity in American democracy.
- (Presented by Dr. Donzell Lee and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson)
- Douglas MacArthur Cotton, civil rights icon and lifelong freedom fighter, honored for his steadfast pursuit of justice that helped shape history.
- (Presented by Dr. Donzell Lee and Derrick Johnson, President of the NAACP)
- Ambassador Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Liberian diplomat and global statesman, recognized for a career of diplomacy, equity, and service.
- (Presented by Trustee Shirlethia Franklin and Dr. Donzell Lee)
Their achievements serve as living chapters in Tougaloo's ongoing story, inspiring graduates to forge their own paths of impact and leadership.
Then, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett took the podium and delivered a keynote address that stirred the soul, ignited the spirit, and brought the crowd to its feet with passion, conviction, and unshakable purpose.
Her words echoed across the Green, resonating in every heart—a powerful call to rise now, not later, with purpose, courage, and pride.
“My charge to you is to understand that your moment is not in the future, your moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high.”
— The Honorable Jasmine Crockett, United States Congresswoman, 30th District of Texas
And it is here, where Tougaloo’s rich history meets the promise of tomorrow, that a new generation boldly steps into its destiny.
A Threshold Crossed, A Legacy Continued
Commencement is far more than a ceremony—it is a sacred passage. A crossing from scholar to storyteller, from learner to leader. For the resilient Class of 2025, it marked not an ending, but the first chapter of a powerful new narrative—one they now carry into their communities and the world beyond
There were joyful tears and triumphant laughter, knowing smiles from professors, and heartfelt embraces from proud families. Beneath the College’s moss-draped oaks, this was a moment of culmination—and transformation.
“Tougaloo College — built on the grounds of what was once a plantation — now stands as a testament to the power of Black excellence. What was once held in chains cultivates freedom. And what once was full of oppression now grows future doctors, educators, teachers, and agents of change. We are walking proof that seeds planted in struggle can bloom in strength. We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
As graduates stepped forward—beneath those storied trees and under the watchful flight of eagles—the words of Reverend Rudolph echoed like a benediction over their journey:
“You are somebody. Formed by God. Strengthened by the struggle. Equipped to change the world.”
Relive the full ceremony by watching the official livestream:
🎥 Watch the Livestream