By Brooks Welch

Academy award nominated actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson is returning to her alma mater, the illustrious Howard University, as the Class of 2022 Commencement speaker.

As reported by FOX 5, Henson graduated from the Howard University College of Fine Arts in 1995. Since then, she has gone on to become an award-winning actress, producer and director, a best-selling author, and a noted philanthropist.

“It is with great pleasure that the Howard University community will welcome alumna Taraji P. Henson back home to deliver the 2022 Commencement address,” said President of Howard University Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick.

“An accomplished actress and fierce champion for HBCUs and the African American community at large, Ms. Henson exemplifies the University tenets of excellence in truth and service. We could not be more excited to have her join us in celebrating the graduating Class of 2022,” he continued.

Henson was recently appointed by President Joe Biden to join the White House HBCU Initiative advisory board.

The 154th Commencement, set for Saturday, May 7 on the Yard, is the university’s first in-person graduation open to guests since the start of the pandemic, reports the Hilltop.

“I am honored and humbled to be returning to my Alma Mater, Howard University, to deliver this year’s Commencement address to the graduating Class of 2022 and their families,” said Henson. “Returning to Howard always feels like coming home, and I cannot wait to share this incredible moment with Howard students as they prepare to take the next step in their journeys to success.”

During the ceremony,  Howard will confer upon Henson the honorary doctorate of humane letters.

As detailed by Yahoo!, Henson’s autobiography, titled “Around the Way Girl,” chronicled her rise to success, how she overcame adversity and the world-class instruction she received from Howard University. Henson is currently in production on Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple,” where she will star as Shug Avery.