14 Black Celebrities You Can Now Call Doctor

Sean Combs Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was granted an honorary doctorate degree in humanities on Saturday during a graduation ceremony at Howard University. Dressed in full graduation regalia, complete with gold tassel on his black cap, the 44-year-old hip-hop impresario told the audience that enrolling at Howard changed his life. And although he left the Washington, D.C., university before graduating, he never forgot his Howard family. Combs attended Howard as a business major in 1990, but did not complete his degree. “Only this family could take one of its sons who already had three name changes and give him a fourth — Dr. Sean Combs,” exclaimed Combs. Denzel Washington Veteran actor Denzel Washington received an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2011. Washington also delivered the keynote address to the school's graduating students. In his remarks to the students, he admitted that the idea of imparting wisdom to so many young adults was frightening."I had to come exactly because I might make a fool of myself," he joked. "I've found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Nothing." Jill Scott Singer and songwriter Jill Scott took it back to her hometown of Philadelphia to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Temple University for her contributions to the art and music fields. During Thursday's ceremony, actor, comedian, and Temple alumnus, Dr. Bill Cosby introduced Scott to the commencement crowd and eventually “hooded” her. In an interview with Essence, Temple University President Neil D. Theobald said that Scott's "values and achievements embody the mission and ideas of the university." In addition to Scott's successful music career, she also founded the Blues Babe Foundation, which helps low-income students in Philadelphia (her hometown); Camden, N.J.; and the Delaware Valley to pay for college. Scott attended Temple before having to drop out of the school's secondary-education program because of financial constraints. Kerry Washington Last May, Oscar nominated actress Kerry Washington was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from her alma mater. Washington received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from George Washington University in D.C., and she also gave the keynote address to the graduates of 2013. During her four years at George Washington University, Washington designed her own interdisciplinary major, taking acting classes, but also focusing on anthropology, sociology, and psychology. John Legend R&B artist and songwriter John Stephens, known best by his stage name John Legend, returned to his alma mater, University of Pennsylvania, on May 19, where he delivered the university's 258th commencement address and received an honorary doctorate of music. “The key to success, the key to happiness is to open your heart to love.” said the "All Of Me" singer in his speech to the graduating class. “Spending your time doing things you love and with people you love.” Stephens graduated in 1999 from UPENN with a degree in English and a concentration in African-American literature and culture. Actress Viola Davis Actress Viola Davis now can also be called "Doctor" after receiving an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from her alma mater, The Juilliard School. On May 23, the 48-year-old Oscar nominee participated in the graduation ceremonies for the class of 2014 at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. She was among eight remarkable artists and philanthropists to be hooded and awarded degrees at the prestigious school’s 109th commencement ceremony. Nelson Mandela South Africa’s first Black president Nelson Mandela was awarded approximately 150 honorary doctorate degrees before his death in December 2013. His last honors were received in 2010 when he received honorary degrees from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario; an honorary doctorate degree from six universities in the Laureate International Universities network; and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Cicely Tyson Actress Cicely Tyson received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Columbia University at their 260th commencement ceremony on May 21. She will also receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts this summer, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The award-winning film and Broadway actress will be recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) for her “contribution of distinction to the art of the moving image.” Tyson is a 1977 alumna of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women and a former member of the AFI Board of Trustees. The Institute will present Tyson’s degree at the AFI conservatory’s commencement ceremony on June 11. Michelle Obama Michelle Obama was honored for her commitment to public service by George Washington University in 2010. Oregon State University awarded her an honorary doctorate in public health last year for her work on fighting childhood obesity and improving health. The first lady also received an honorary doctorate of law during the ceremony before speaking to about 600 OSU graduates. Obama graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1985. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. Barack Obama Last week President Barack Obama was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Johannesburg. The doctorate was accepted at the university's ceremonies by U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard. The award was conferred on Obama in acknowledgement of "his social and intellectual achievements that strengthen international diplomacy," the university said. Obama has received honorary doctorates from several schools including, Knox College (2005); University of Massachusetts Boston (2006); Northwestern University (2006); Xavier University of Louisiana (2006); Southern New Hampshire University (2007); Howard University (2007); University of Notre Dame (2009); and Morehouse College (2013). Oprah Winfrey Billionaire media mogul, Oprah Winfrey has received several honorary degrees. Winfrey was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during Harvard University's 362nd commencement in Cambridge, Mass., in May 2013; Howard University in 2007; and Duke University in 2009; and an honorary doctorate degree in education from the University of the Free State, South Africa, in 2011. While delivering her Harvard University commencement speech, Winfrey told graduates, “There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.” L.L. Cool J LL Cool J had to switch hats after he received an honorary degree from Northeastern University on May 2. The veteran rapper-turned-actor was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. His daughter, Italia Smith, graduated with honors during the same ceremony. According to Vibe magazine, Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, accepted his degree with great pride. "I've been called a few things, but never a doctor, that's for sure," he joked. "For them to recognize my body of work and my contributions to the world of art is an amazing feeling." Patti LaBelle Legendary songstress Patti LaBelle, a Philadelphia native with a worldwide reputation, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Temple University in 2010. “Patti LaBelle has led a life of incredible achievement in the performing and recording industries. She has used her status as a public figure to bring attention to serious health issues, helping to save countless lives,” said Temple University President Ann Weaver Hart. “We are delighted to honor this native Philadelphian for her professional excellence and her selfless service to others.” Aretha Franklin Multiple Grammy Award winner Aretha Franklin has received several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Music from the Berklee College of Music in 2006, University of Pennsylvania in 2007, Yale University in 2010, and Princeton University in 2012. Princeton trustee Stephen Oxman said at the time, "With her singular ‘amazing grace,’ she continues to traverse musical ‘bridges over troubled water,’ and by reminding us to ‘think,’ ‘do right’ and 'call' on her, the Queen of Soul will forever command the world’s ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’ " According to BET.com, Franklin has recorded 223 albums and earned 21 Grammy awards in her 50-year career as a performer. She was also the first woman honored by the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

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