A meaningful moment unfolded at Spelman College over the weekend when Zahara Jolie shared a rare insight into her relationship with Angelina Jolie.
Speaking at a mother-daughter luncheon organised by the Pearls of Purpose Foundation and the Nu Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the 21-year-old described her mother as “selfless, loving and understanding”, adding that she feels grateful to call her mum.
Zahara admitted that articulating their connection was not straightforward, noting that their relationship carries a depth that is difficult to define in words.
Adopted from Ethiopia at six months old in 2005, she said she was raised alongside her siblings with strong values centred on helping others, practising kindness and continuously growing as individuals.
“These values may sound simple, but in a world where kindness is often overlooked and helping others comes at a cost, I’m grateful to have had a role model who showed me what it means to be a decent human being,” she said.
Now studying at Spelman since 2022 and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha since 2023, Zahara acknowledged the challenges of navigating life in the public eye, particularly when it comes to sharing personal moments with family.
However, she noted that her mother remains present and engaged, showing genuine curiosity about her academic journey and experiences beyond the classroom.
“I’m a strong woman because a strong woman raised me,” she concluded.
Earlier, Jolie, known for her role in Eternals, also addressed the audience, expressing appreciation to the organisers for celebrating the significance of mother-daughter relationships.
The event was also attended by Gizelle Bryant and her daughter Angel, who studies alongside Zahara at Spelman.
Jolie shares six children with former husband Brad Pitt, with recent reports indicating that several of them have distanced themselves from their father following the couple’s separation in 2016 and divorce in 2024.