Nationwide — Spelman College, the world-renowned HBCU for women in Atlanta, celebrated its Class of 2026 graduation with seven students sharing valedictorian honors. They set a new school record while showcasing academic excellence, sisterhood, and the strong bonds formed over years of study.
The ceremony carried deep emotion as the recognition settled in. Students reacted together, moving between tears and quiet support as each one processed the shared achievement within the group.
Among them, Nia-Sarai Perry, Aiyana Ringo, Alyssa Richardson, Cori’Anna White, Sophia Davis, Mariama Diallo, and Alexis Sims all stood as co-valedictorians. The group, later referred to as the “Spelman Seven,” set a new record for the most valedictorians in a single graduating class in the school’s history, according to CNN.
Perry said the shared honor made the experience more meaningful, saying, “I love the fact that I don’t have to do this alone,” Perry said. “I hate doing things alone. So of course, I’m not valedictorian alone.”
Davis reflected on the broader meaning of their achievement as Black women graduating at the top of their class. “Especially in a time in which we as Black women are facing so much plight, we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and that we’re making the difference and choice to change the world,” Davis said.
White pointed to the long-term bond formed through their time at Spelman and beyond. She said, “I can’t wait until we’re future lawyers, future executives, future musicians, future directors, future doctors, in which we’re able to call each other, go to each other’s weddings, each other’s baby showers, because this is a lifelong commitment,” White said.
Richardson also emphasized the significance of the record and what it could mean for future students. “What I experienced was not a one-off, that Spelman can repeat this over and over and over again, that we can continue to be this machine that pushes out changemakers in the world,” Richardson said. “Future sisters, break our record. I want more and more and more.”
Spelman College confirmed that the Class of 2026 valedictorians now stand as a historic group within the institution. The seven graduates walked the stage together, closing their college journey as both record-setters and lifelong peers.