It was a proud family moment for Chris Rock and his ex-wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, as they reunited to celebrate their daughter Zahra Rock graduating from the University of Southern California with high honors.
Zahra officially earned her degree in Narrative Studies with a focus on English, marking a major academic achievement for the Rock family. Her mother shared the exciting news in an emotional social media tribute, proudly reflecting on the hard work and dedication that led to the milestone.
“Congratulations, Zahra! Your mom and dad, and your entire family, are so proud of your extraordinary academic achievements,” Malaak wrote while celebrating her daughter’s graduation.
She also opened up about Zahra’s longstanding connection to books and storytelling, revealing that her academic path was deeply rooted in her passion for literature. “Your lifelong love of literature” inspired the degree, Malaak shared, adding that the graduation celebration was “a memory I will cherish forever.”
The heartfelt message continued with special thanks to the people who supported Zahra throughout her years at USC. Malaak mentioned her sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, godsister, “Yaya,” and the Oseary family, who she said gave Zahra “a loving home away from home” during her time in California.
Malaak also reflected on the young woman her daughter has become, writing, “I cannot fully express how proud I am of the brilliant, thoughtful, compassionate young woman you have become.”
She signed off the tribute with USC’s well-known rally cry: “Fight On forever!”
The graduation also became a family reunion moment for Chris Rock and Malaak Compton-Rock, who were both present to celebrate their daughter’s accomplishment together. The former couple were married from 1996 until their separation in 2014 before finalizing their divorce in 2016 after nearly two decades together.
Their relationship dates back to 1994, when Chris Rock first met Malaak while she was working as a Hollywood publicist during the Essence magazine awards weekend. After dating for two years, the pair married in November 1996 and later welcomed daughters Zahra and Lola Simone Rock. Malaak is also the mother to her adopted daughter, Ntombi, whom she adopted from South Africa.
According to reports, Zahra graduated magna cum laude from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts and the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, making the celebration even sweeter for the entire family.
