From athletes within the Corridor of Fame to politicians who’ve modified the course of our nation, among the best Black minds have gotten their begin at America’s greatest HBCUs. Most alumni credit score the nice and cozy and celebratory environment on campus with beginning their lengthy and impactful careers. These eight sensible graduates went on to cement their names in popular culture and political historical past.
Stacey Abrams, Spelman School
Stacey Abrams is a proud Spelman School Jaguar. Earlier than serving as the primary Black minority chief within the Georgia Home of Representatives, Abrams was scholar physique president on the historic all-women’s school. The voting rights activist and outstanding democratic politician was part of the 1995 graduating class. She earned a bachelor’s diploma in interdisciplinary research specializing in economics, political science and sociology.
Kamala Harris, Howard College
Vice President Kamala Harris began her trailblazing profession on the inexperienced at Howard College. America’ first feminine vp and present Democratic presidential candidate was an energetic member of her alma mater’s debate staff and the freshman class consultant of their scholar council. The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister graduated from the historic college in 1986 together with her political science and economics diploma.
Megan Thee Stallion, Texas Southern College
Megan Thee Stallion is “carried out with being humble” since she has three primary chart hits and a university diploma underneath her belt. Whereas the rapper was busy together with her red-hot music profession, together with successful her first of three Grammy Awards and scene-stealing options on songs like “WAP,” Megan accomplished her diploma in well being administration in 2021 in honor of her late mom. The psychological well being advocate hopes to someday put her research to make use of and provides again to the group by opening an assisted dwelling facility.
Lionel Richie, Tuskegee College
Lionel Richie has been a staple in music and tv for many years. Richie attended Tuskegee College on a tennis scholarship and honed his musical skills earlier than graduating with an economics diploma in 1974. Whereas nonetheless an undergraduate, he shaped the musical group The Mystics, which later mixed with The Jays to change into the chart-topping band The Commodores. The acclaimed songwriter has bought over 100 million data and obtained an honorary music diploma from his alma mater.
Spike Lee, Morehouse School
The legendary filmmaker has an extended historical past of supporting his alma mater. Majoring in communications as an undergrad, Lee graduated from the faculty in 1979 and later went on to jot down and direct his signature model of provocative movies, together with his breakout hit Do The Proper Factor in 1989 and BlacKKKlansman, for which he took residence an Academy Award. After main success in his inventive profession, Lee helped the faculty start its “Journalism in Sports activities, Tradition and Social Justice” program.
Taraji P. Henson, Howard College
Taraji P. Henson is an instance of how girls get it carried out. After working by way of faculty to assist her younger son at residence, Henson walked throughout the Howard stage in 1995, incomes a Bachelor’s diploma in Drama. The Golden Globe-winning actress later discovered huge success with a job within the TV present Empire and acclaim in motion pictures comparable to Hidden Figures. The Academy Award nominee has since delivered a graduation speech for Howard graduates and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the college.
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern College
Viewers can catch Michael Strahan on weekday mornings in a freshly pressed go well with, however there was as soon as a time when he was recognized for at all times repping a soccer jersey as an alternative. The NFL star and 2008 Tremendous Bowl champion graduated from Texas Southern College (TSU) in 1993, the place he raked up spectacular feats like being named a SWAC Corridor of Famer and becoming a member of the All-America first staff his senior 12 months. After a rewarding 15-year skilled profession, which earned him a spot within the NFL Corridor of Fame, Strahan settled into a brand new position as a beloved morning speak present host. In 2024, he was inducted into the TSU Corridor of Fame.
Shannon Sharpe, Savannah State College
Shannon Sharpe will at all times be part of NFL and Savannah State College histories. The three-time Tremendous Bowl champion tight finish studied prison justice earlier than graduating in 1990. Whereas a Savannah State Tiger, Sharpe shocked followers, scouts and coaches together with his abilities on the soccer area, main the varsity to a powerful 8-1 document in 1989. Whereas many could now know him because the host of the juicy Membership Shay Shay podcast and co-host on ESPN’s First Take, Savannah State college students acknowledge him as a Savannah State College Corridor of Famer.
