From athletes in the Hall of Fame to politicians who have changed the course of our nation, some of the greatest Black minds have gotten their start at America’s best HBCUs. Most alumni credit the warm and celebratory atmosphere on campus with starting their long and impactful careers. These eight brilliant graduates went on to cement their names in pop culture and political history.
Stacey Abrams, Spelman College
Stacey Abrams is a proud Spelman College Jaguar. Before serving as the first Black minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, Abrams was student body president at the historic all-women’s college. The voting rights activist and prominent democratic politician was a part of the 1995 graduating class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies focusing on economics, political science and sociology.
Kamala Harris, Howard University
Vice President Kamala Harris started her trailblazing career on the green at Howard University. The United States’ first female vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate was an active member of her alma mater’s debate team and the freshman class representative of their student council. The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister graduated from the historic university in 1986 with her political science and economics degree.
Megan Thee Stallion, Texas Southern University
Megan Thee Stallion is “done with being humble” since she has three number one chart hits and a college degree under her belt. While the rapper was busy with her red-hot music career, including winning her first of three Grammy Awards and scene-stealing features on songs like “WAP,” Megan completed her degree in health administration in 2021 in honor of her late mother. The mental health advocate hopes to one day put her studies to use and give back to the community by opening an assisted living facility.
Lionel Richie, Tuskegee University
Lionel Richie has been a staple in music and television for decades. Richie attended Tuskegee University on a tennis scholarship and honed his musical talents before graduating with an economics degree in 1974. While still an undergraduate, he formed the musical group The Mystics, which later combined with The Jays to become the chart-topping band The Commodores. The acclaimed songwriter has sold over 100 million records and received an honorary music degree from his alma mater.
Spike Lee, Morehouse College
The legendary filmmaker has a long history of supporting his alma mater. Majoring in communications as an undergrad, Lee graduated from the college in 1979 and later went on to write and direct his signature brand of provocative films, including his breakout hit Do The Right Thing in 1989 and BlacKKKlansman, for which he took home an Academy Award. After major success in his creative career, Lee helped the college begin its “Journalism in Sports, Culture and Social Justice” program.
Taraji P. Henson, Howard University
Taraji P. Henson is an example of how women get it done. After working through school to support her young son at home, Henson walked across the Howard stage in 1995, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Drama. The Golden Globe-winning actress later found massive success with a role in the TV show Empire and acclaim in movies such as Hidden Figures. The Academy Award nominee has since delivered a commencement speech for Howard graduates and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university.
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern University
Viewers can catch Michael Strahan on weekday mornings in a freshly pressed suit, but there was once a time when he was known for always repping a football jersey instead. The NFL star and 2008 Super Bowl champion graduated from Texas Southern University (TSU) in 1993, where he raked up impressive feats like being named a SWAC Hall of Famer and joining the All-America first team his senior year. After a rewarding 15-year professional career, which earned him a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, Strahan settled into a new role as a beloved morning talk show host. In 2024, he was inducted into the TSU Hall of Fame.
Shannon Sharpe, Savannah State University
Shannon Sharpe will always be a part of NFL and Savannah State University histories. The three-time Super Bowl champion tight end studied criminal justice before graduating in 1990. While a Savannah State Tiger, Sharpe stunned fans, scouts and coaches with his skills on the football field, leading the school to an impressive 8-1 record in 1989. While many may now know him as the host of the juicy Club Shay Shay podcast and co-host on ESPN’s First Take, Savannah State students recognize him as a Savannah State University Hall of Famer.
