Newswise — It was 1984 when Cassi Davis—best known for comedic characters she originated in Tyler Perry's TV series, stage plays and films — first entered the gates of Spelman College to major in music. But, before she could get that coveted Bachelor of Arts, Cassi heard and answered the call of fame and fortune. That was 1988. Now it's 2009 and she is back. On Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 5 p.m. at Spelman's 122nd Commencement, Davis will finally walk across the stage at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to accept her degree in music. She will also be in the company of more than 500 fellow Spelman graduates. In 2008, she satisfied all her requirements in the music department, making her eligible to participate in Commencement exercises.
"Many in the entertainment industry dismiss the need for a college degree," said Kevin Johnson, Ph.D., music department chair. "The women who come to Spelman to major in music or drama come here with a drive already instilled in them to succeed. People like Shaun Robinson, Tanika Ray, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Rolonda Watts immediately come to mind. They do what they need to do to finish the program"¦even if it is 21 years later. Cassi coming back to Spelman for her B.A. in music after all these years speaks volumes about how important having a college education is to her."
Although she received her first professional break with a small role in Spike Lee's "School Daze" back when she attended Spelman, Davis continued to get work with featured roles on TV's "Living Single," "Chicago Hope," and as the voice of "HUD woman" on Eddie Murphy's "The PJs." Her work became more noticeable in films such as "Daddy's Little Girls," "Madea's Family Reunion," "Woman Thou Art Loosed" and "Silent Bomb." Davis, a veteran actress and singer, recently received an NAACP Image Award nomination for best actress in a comedy TV series for her portrayal of Ella Payne in Tyler Perry's popular TBS Network series "House of Payne."
"When 'House of Payne' started filming in Atlanta back in 2006, I realized then that after all these years, I had to finish college," Davis said. "I am a country girl from Holly Springs, Miss., and I realized that I had to complete this goal for all those who sacrificed back home so that I could have an education."
When Davis accepts her degree, she will not only pay homage to those who came before, but she will also inspire the young ones to come after her. "Folk like my daddy who worked and plowed in the field with cows and pigs, and my phenomenal mama, who still teaches in the school system today; folk like Thurgood Marshall, who made the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 a reality; and for all of the young kids in Holly Springs, I hope I can inspire them to get an education."
Following graduation, Davis will continue on with the fifth season of "House of Payne."
Activist, philosopher, scholar, sociopolitical critic and one of the most provocative and influential intellectuals of our time, Cornel West, Ph.D., will serve as the commencement keynote speaker and will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Judith Jamison, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for the past 20 years, and Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, will both receive honorary degrees as well. Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO, CARE USA, will receive the National Community Service Award.
For more information about the Spelman College 122nd Commencement ceremony go to http://www.spelman.edu/commencement.
Spelman College:Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts a 79 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit: www.spelman.edu.
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