5 Major Ways Zahara Jolie-Pitt Is Defining Her Own Legacy At Spelman And Beyond

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt, the eldest daughter of Hollywood icons Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has stepped firmly into the spotlight on her own terms, making headlines not for her famous parents, but for her academic and social achievements. As of late 2025, the 20-year-old is thriving as a senior at a prestigious historically Black college, a journey that has solidified her status as a young woman forging a powerful, independent path.

This article dives into the most current and fresh details of Zahara’s life, from her groundbreaking sorority membership to her recent high-profile public appearances, revealing how she is embracing her Ethiopian heritage and defining a powerful legacy for herself. Her story is one of global citizenship, academic excellence, and a deep connection to sisterhood.

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt’s life began far from the Hollywood hills, yet her journey has been one of global significance, philanthropy, and now, academic distinction.

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• Full Name: Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt
• Date of Birth: January 8, 2005
• Age (as of late 2025): 20 years old
• Place of Birth: Hawassa, Ethiopia
• Adoption: Adopted by Angelina Jolie in July 2005 at seven months old. Brad Pitt officially adopted her in 2006.
• Parents: Angelina Jolie (mother) and Brad Pitt (father)
• Siblings: Maddox Chivan, Pax Thien, Shiloh Nouvel, Knox Léon, and Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt
• Education: Currently a senior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Sorority Affiliation: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), Mu Pi Chapter.
• Noteworthy: Has been involved in humanitarian work and accompanied her mother on numerous global trips related to the United Nations and other charitable causes since childhood.

1. The Historic Sisterhood: Zahara’s Viral Alpha Kappa Alpha Membership

One of the most significant and celebrated updates in Zahara’s life came with her announcement of joining a historic Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO). Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt is now a member of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA).

A Commitment to Service and Scholarship

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, founded in 1908. It is an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind. By joining the Mu Pi chapter at Spelman College, Zahara has embraced a community with a deep and powerful legacy.

The news went viral after a video surfaced showing Zahara participating in a traditional "Spelman Stroll," where she proudly announced her name and her new affiliation. This moment was a powerful public declaration of her commitment to the values of the sorority and her dedication to her college community.

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Her choice to join AKA demonstrates a deep personal connection to the Black experience and culture, particularly within the context of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) environment. This move is a clear indication that Zahara is forging a personal identity distinct from her celebrity background, focusing on community and academic life.

2. Thriving as a Senior at Spelman College in Atlanta

Zahara’s decision to attend Spelman College, a highly-ranked, all-female HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia, was announced by her mother in 2022. Now, as she enters her senior year, she is fully immersed in the college experience, which is a major focus of her life in late 2025.

Spelman College is celebrated for fostering a supportive, rigorous academic environment that encourages leadership and social justice advocacy among Black women. Zahara’s presence there highlights the growing visibility and prestige of HBCUs on the global stage. Her enrollment is a powerful statement about her educational priorities.

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The Atlanta University Center Consortium, which includes Spelman, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University, provides a rich educational and cultural ecosystem. This environment allows Zahara to connect with a diverse group of high-achieving peers, away from the constant scrutiny of Los Angeles.

Her college life is not just about classes; it’s about community building, as evidenced by her sorority involvement. This focus on personal development and a strong sense of self is a testament to the young woman she is becoming.

3. High-Profile Public Appearances and Humanitarian Advocacy in 2025

While Zahara is focused on her college career, she has made several high-profile public appearances in late 2024 and early 2025, often accompanying her mother, Angelina Jolie, to major industry events. These outings showcase her maturing style and her continued role as a young advocate.

Stepping Out on the Red Carpet

In early 2025, Zahara was Angelina Jolie’s date to both the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Awards and the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. On the Golden Globes red carpet, she coordinated with her mother in a stunning ensemble, demonstrating a sophisticated fashion sense.

These appearances are rare glimpses into her life outside of college. They signal her continued support for her mother's work and her comfortable presence in the public eye, despite her preference for privacy.

A Voice for Change

Beyond the glamour, Zahara is actively engaging in advocacy work. In 2025, she delivered a keynote speech at a Women in Training Inc. brunch in Montgomery, Alabama. This event, which her mother attended to show support, underscores Zahara's growing interest in humanitarian causes and female empowerment—a legacy she inherited and is now actively shaping.

Her involvement with such organizations connects directly to her roots and her mother’s extensive work as a former UNHCR Special Envoy. This blend of celebrity, education, and activism makes her a compelling figure.

4. Embracing Ethiopian Heritage and the Legacy of Adoption

Zahara’s connection to her birthplace, Hawassa, Ethiopia, remains a central and important part of her identity. Her adoption story, which began when she was seven months old, has been a public narrative that has helped shine a light on global adoption and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Angelina Jolie has consistently emphasized the importance of her children knowing and celebrating their birth cultures. This commitment led to the establishment of an AIDS & tuberculosis clinic in Ethiopia in 2008, a project dedicated to the country from which Zahara was adopted.

Zahara’s choice of Spelman College, an institution deeply rooted in the history and advancement of the Black diaspora, can be viewed as an extension of this embrace. It is a place where her Ethiopian heritage and her identity as a Black woman in America are celebrated and nurtured.

5. The Evolving Relationship with the Jolie-Pitt Family

As the second eldest of the six Jolie-Pitt children, Zahara shares close bonds with her siblings, particularly her elder brother, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt. She and Maddox have been spotted on rare public outings together in Los Angeles, showing a strong sibling connection as they navigate their young adult lives.

Her relationship with her mother, Angelina Jolie, is particularly strong and public. Jolie often brings Zahara as her date to major events, demonstrating a close, supportive bond. Zahara is not just a daughter; she is a confidante and a companion on the red carpet and on philanthropic trips.

Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt is rapidly transitioning from being known simply as the daughter of famous parents to becoming a recognized leader in her own right. Her dedication to her studies at Spelman, her historic sorority membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, and her growing presence in humanitarian circles all point to a future defined by impact and purpose.