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5 Shocking Details From Toni Braxton's Son's 2025 College Graduation (Including Her Controversial Outfit)

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R&B icon Toni Braxton is the definition of a proud mother, but her appearance at her youngest son’s college graduation in May 2025 sparked a massive online debate that went viral. The "Un-Break My Heart" singer was there to celebrate a major milestone for her son, Diezel Braxton-Lewis, but it was her daring fashion choice that stole the spotlight, leading to both praise for her youthful look and significant online backlash.

The momentous occasion saw Diezel graduate from one of the nation’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a testament to the family's dedication to education. This achievement was one of two major college graduations for the Braxton-Lewis family in 2025, cementing the year as one of immense pride and accomplishment for the Grammy-winning superstar.

Toni Braxton and Sons: Complete Biographical Profile

Toni Braxton’s personal life and family milestones are often a central theme in her reality show, Braxton Family Values. Her two sons, Denim and Diezel, have grown up in the public eye, and their recent college achievements mark a new chapter for the entire family.

  • Full Name: Toni Michele Braxton
  • Born: October 7, 1967 (Currently 58 years old in late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Severn, Maryland, U.S.
  • Career: R&B Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Television Personality. She is a six-time Grammy Award winner and has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
  • Ex-Husband: Keri Lewis (Married 2001, Divorced 2013). Lewis is a former member of the band Mint Condition.
  • Current Partner: Birdman (On-again, off-again relationship).

The Braxton-Lewis Sons: Double College Graduates

Toni Braxton shares two sons with her ex-husband, Keri Lewis. Both boys have recently completed their college education, showcasing the family's commitment to academic excellence.

  • Son 1: Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis
    • Age: 23 (as of 2025)
    • College: Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, Arizona)
    • Degree: Sports Management/Business (Reported)
  • Son 2: Diezel Braxton-Lewis
    • Age: 22 (as of 2025)
    • College: Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
    • Degree: Fine Arts (Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts)
    • Career Path: Aspiring model and actor.

The Sheer Black Dress That Sparked a Firestorm at Howard University

The main event that captured the attention of the internet was Diezel Braxton-Lewis’s graduation from Howard University’s 157th commencement ceremony on May 10, 2025.

Toni Braxton, who attended the ceremony alongside Diezel's father, Keri Lewis, wore a striking ensemble that immediately became a talking point.

The Controversial Look: A Breakdown

The singer opted for a daring, sheer black lace ensemble. The outfit was a floor-length, long-sleeved dress that was largely see-through, with strategic black paneling to cover essential areas.

While the outfit was undeniably high-fashion and showcased the R&B icon's incredibly fit physique, many critics online felt it was inappropriate for a college graduation ceremony. The debate centered on whether a mother should wear such a "risqué" or "revealing" outfit to a formal, academic event where the focus should be on the graduate.

Social media was instantly divided. One side praised Toni Braxton for her confidence and ability to look stunning, with comments highlighting her status as a fashion-forward celebrity. The other side, however, slammed the look, calling it "distracting" and "disrespectful" to the solemnity of the commencement.

The outfit was a powerful reminder that even at a family event, a celebrity of Toni Braxton’s stature is constantly under the public microscope. Despite the online noise, Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis were clearly focused on celebrating their son's achievement, posing proudly with Diezel in his cap and gown.

Double the College Pride: Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis’s Achievement

Adding to the family's celebration, Toni Braxton was also a proud mother for her eldest son, Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis, who graduated from Grand Canyon University (GCU).

Denim, who is 23 years old, earned a degree in a sports-related field, with reports suggesting he majored in Sports Management. While the sheer outfit controversy overshadowed this graduation in the media, Toni Braxton was equally vocal on social media about her pride in Denim’s accomplishment.

The two college graduations in 2025 signify a massive educational milestone for the Braxton-Lewis family. This "proud mama moment" was shared with the world, highlighting the success of her sons in their academic pursuits, setting them up for their respective career paths, whether in sports business or the fine arts.

The Importance of Howard University and HBCUs

Diezel’s graduation from Howard University is a particularly notable achievement. Howard is a historically black university with a rich legacy, having produced countless influential figures in American history, politics, and the arts.

Diezel’s degree from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts—named after the late, iconic actor—is a strong foundation for his own aspirations in acting and modeling. His choice of an HBCU underscores the family's connection to Black excellence and heritage, making the celebration even more significant.

Life After Graduation: What's Next for the Braxton-Lewis Sons?

With two sons officially college graduates, Toni Braxton is entering a new phase of motherhood. The focus now shifts from their academic journeys to their professional careers.

Diezel Braxton-Lewis: Having graduated with a Fine Arts degree, Diezel is actively pursuing his career in the entertainment industry. He has already gained attention as a model and is expected to follow in his mother's footsteps, albeit in front of the camera rather than behind the microphone. His commencement from the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts provides a strong, specialized background for his acting ambitions.

Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis: Denim’s degree in sports from Grand Canyon University positions him for a career in the lucrative world of sports business, management, or marketing. His path is less public-facing than his younger brother’s, but equally promising in a major industry.

The public's fascination with Toni Braxton's personal life, from her health struggles to her family’s drama on Braxton Family Values, ensures that these young men will continue to be entities of interest. The 2025 graduations were not just personal victories but major cultural moments that saw a legendary R&B singer celebrate her sons while simultaneously igniting a viral fashion controversy.

Ultimately, despite the noise surrounding her daring sheer black dress, the headlines confirm one thing: Toni Braxton is an immensely proud and supportive mother whose family is thriving.

toni braxton at her son's graduation
toni braxton at her son's graduation

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