Sunday 8 May 2022 02:44 AM Taraji P. Henson receives honorary doctorate from her alma mater Howard ... trends now

Taraji P. Henson had the honor of delivering the commencement address for the class of 2022 at her alma mater Howard University in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.

The actress, 51, also received an honorary doctorate from the historically black institution, nearly 30 years after graduating with her bachelor's degree in 1995.

Saturday's commencement ceremony proved to be a star-studded affair, with the likes of rapper Travis Scott and comedian/actor Anthony Anderson seated in the audience.

During her time at the podium, Henson donned a simple black graduation robe, as well as a large gold medal.

She glammed up her appearance with a ruby red lip and by accessorizing with a pair of large silver hoop earrings.

While an honorary doctorate doesn't actually come with the title 'doctor,' Henson made it clear that she was going to use the title - at least during her commencement speech.

'I would like to take this moment to reintroduce myself: My name is Dr. Taraji Penda Henson, Howard class of 1995,' the Hidden Figures star said to the crowd of graduates and attendees.

Henson graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 1995. 

She attended her own graduation with her then one-year-old son Marcell Johnson, who she held in her arms for the duration of the ceremony.

She shares Marcell, now  27, with her high school sweetheart William LaMarr Johnson, who was tragically killed in 2003.

Though she's since become one of the most well-known faces in Hollywood, Henson made it clear during Saturday's speech that she was undervalued in the early days of her career.