Commencement student speaker Tashanti Newbold reflects on CIA experience

By Michael C. Butz

Tashanti Newbold enrolled at the Cleveland Institute of Art seeking to be pushed creatively. Now, on the eve of graduation, they're the one pushing—pushing boundaries, pushing back against others' expectations and pushing the envelope in terms of shifting artistic expectations.

Those qualities—as well as their innovative and entrepreneurial approach—are just some of the reasons the Photography + Video major will serve as the student speaker at CIA's 2026 Commencement ceremony.

Prior to taking the stage, Newbold took time to reflect on their CIA experience.

How does it feel to be selected as the student speaker at Commencement?

It feels real in a way I can’t ignore. From being first in my family to graduate college, to standing as commencement speaker—it’s not just an honor, it’s a shift. It's proudly breaking a generational curse. It represents growth, discipline, and everything I had to push through to get here. I don’t see it as just speaking, I see it as standing in something I built.

Where did you attend high school? And, how much do you feel you've grown since then (whether creatively, personally or both)?

I attended Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Broward County, Florida. That is where I started studying Piano, and I actually didn’t touch Photography until my senior year, where I had a magnificent mentor named Stacey Jenkins. I’ve grown in every direction since then—creatively, mentally, and spiritually. Back then I was reacting to life, now I move with a lot of intention. I understand my voice, and I trust it now. That’s the biggest difference.

Why did you choose CIA?

I chose CIA because I needed to be somewhere that would push me, that would validate who I was already and a place that would teach me to stand firm in that definition. I wasn’t looking for comfort. I wanted a space where I could take my ideas seriously and build something that actually had weight.

What led you to major in Photography + Video?

It started with people. I’ve always been drawn to documenting the people around me, especially people of color who aren’t always seen fully or correctly. Then it was fashion, and my amazing department chair, Linda Post, allowed me the space to make those worlds collide. Over time, photography became more than documentation. It became a way to shift perception, to create my own language around the body, identity, and presence. It gave me control over how the image exists. Majoring in Photo + Video here at CIA, was one of the greatest life changing decisions I’ve ever made. 

What would you consider some of the most important lessons you learned at CIA?

I learned how to trust myself. I learned that I don’t need to over-explain my work for it to be valid. CIA also taught me discipline, showing up for the work even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it’s unclear. And most importantly, I learned that my perspective carries value.

Was there particularly valuable advice that a faculty member shared? If so, who was the instructor and what was their advice?

I’ve had so many amazing faculty along the way that gave some phenomenal advice, so that is such a tricky question to answer. I think the most valuable advice I received was from the teachings of the Photo + Video department, from Department Chair Linda Post, and Fellow Charles H. Lee, to stop trying to make the work digestible for everyone. That changed everything for me. It allowed me to create from a place of honesty instead of approval.

What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment as a CIA student?

I’m tied between answering that with studying aboard in Florence, Italy and my BFA being my biggest accomplishment. My BFA project exists as more than images. It centers the Black body as a site of agency, and it doesn’t ask for permission to exist. That’s something I’m undeniably proud of.

Have you been involved with any CIA student groups or CIA-related professional groups? If so, what did you gain from those experiences?

Under the direction of the amazing Mei Pereza, I worked as a Resident Assistant which really shaped how I move in community. It taught me how to hold space for others while also staying grounded in myself. A lot of my growth came from those everyday interactions just as much as the classroom.

What are your plans after graduating from CIA?

After graduating, I’m continuing to build my brand, TASHANTI LLC, as a full creative house - photography, fashion, and talent all under one structure. My heart lies in traveling, nature and spirituality, so I’m also taking my work international, spending some time in Brazil hosting screenprinting workshops in Sao Paulo, and continuing to build through community-based work. I’m focused on expanding the world I’ve already started, and everyone is always welcome to join me in that journey via social media, Instagram, @fl.tashanti !

Take Care, and thank you CIA for being so amazing to me!