Mel B Celebrates ‘Life-Changing’ Honorary Doctorate
Mel B Honored with Honorary Degree for Advocacy
Leeds Beckett University recently honored former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, known as Mel B, with an honorary degree. This recognition celebrates her commitment to supporting domestic abuse victims, a cause she describes as “life-changing.”
Celebration and Impact
During Monday’s graduation ceremony, Mel B received her degree. “Being awarded this honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University has been life-changing,” she stated. Her advocacy work began after she left an abusive relationship, using her experiences to raise awareness and support others.
Embracing Academia
Mel B has embraced her role as a student alongside her recognition. “I wanted to be accepted as a student at Leeds Beckett. Not only have I been awarded this degree, but I was also accepted on the trauma-informed care course, which has been a huge step for me in many ways,” she explained. She admitted that becoming a student was one of the most terrifying experiences, but it profoundly changed her life.
Plans for the Future
The pop icon plans to frame her degree certificate next to her student card, symbolizing her educational and personal achievements. After her separation from ex-husband Stephen Belafonte, who has denied the allegations against him, she moved into her mother’s bungalow. This move marked a new chapter in her journey toward healing and advocacy.
University and Community Support
Mel B expressed pride in her connection to the university and her hometown. “I am proud to feel part of this university and to have come here as Melanie Brown, working alongside other students and receiving excellent guidance from the teaching staff,” she added. Peter Slee, vice-chancellor of Leeds Beckett, commended her: “Melanie, a child of this city who reached the top of her industry and then used her platform to advocate for those who shared her hardships, is exactly the type of citizen we aim to champion.”
Mel B’s transformation from an international pop star to a devoted advocate and student highlights her dedication to leveraging her voice and experiences for a broader impact.
Re-reported from the article originally published in BBC.
