Zahara Jolie is Now a Proud Spelman Grad

Watching a young Black woman cross Spelman’s graduation stage is symbolic—especially when that woman is Zahara Jolie.

​The 21-year-old officially graduated from the prestigious HBCU with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology this past weekend, according to Page Six, marking the end of a transformative chapter filled with sisterhood, scholarship, service, and self-discovery.

However, as social media celebrated the milestone, an understated detail captured attention. During the graduation ceremony, when Zahara’s name was called during commencement, the graduate was recognized as Zahara Marley Jolie.

But according to TMZ, the Pitt name wasn’t the only thing missing. Her adoptive father, Brad Pitt, was absent from the ceremony altogether.

“Zahara’s mom and siblings, who have been involved over the four very special years, were present and cheering her and her Spelman sisters on,” a source close to the family reportedly told the outlet.

​The source added that “nothing” prevented Pitt from showing up for her, keeping the focus on all she accomplished.

​The moment immediately reignited conversation surrounding Zahara’s relationship with her adoptive father, particularly because this isn’t the first time she has publicly distanced herself from the Pitt surname.

​While crossing after pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha, when announcing herself to the public, she proudly shouted her name as ‘Zahara Marley Jolie,’ with Pitt nowhere to be found.

Although the public still doesn’t know exactly when the shift happened or what specifically caused the apparent estrangement, Brad previously spoke lovingly about Zahara during a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair while promoting Bullet Train.

​“It’s an exciting and beautiful time to find her own way and pursue her interests. I’m so proud,” he said at the time, adding that he believed she would “flourish.”

​Still, beyond the family discourse surrounding her last name, the college grad’s time at Spelman appears to have been deeply meaningful and purpose-driven. Between joining one of the country’s most historic Black sororities, earning her degree, and immersing herself in community and culture, the graduate seems to have spent her college years intentionally building her own identity outside of Hollywood legacy.

​And if there was any doubt about who helped shape that foundation, Zahara made it crystal clear during a recent mother-daughter brunch for the Pearls of Purpose Foundation in April, where she honored her adopted mother, Angelina, with an emotional tribute thanking her for the values and life lessons that helped shape who she is today.

“Our love for each other is a found one. I was adopted at 6 months old and given some of the most special and loving people as my siblings, with a mom who raised us on the value of helping others, being kind, and always striving for growth as people,” she shared.

​She continued by acknowledging how those teachings continue to guide her, especially in a world where compassion can sometimes feel rare.

​“These values may sound simple, but in a world where kindness is overlooked and helping others comes at a cost, I am grateful to have had a role model to show me what it looks like to be a decent human being.”

​Zahara later closed her tribute with an emotional thank you to her mother, adding, “I think back to a quote I saw years ago that said, ‘I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me.’ Thank you, Mom.”

​Congratulations, Zahara. Job well done.