Black excellence is the standard when attending an Historically Black Colleges and University. In addition to serving as a welcoming space for Black and brown students, an HBCU develops the future leaders of America. Notable people, like Oprah Winfrey, Debbie Allen and Vice President Kamala Harris, have graduated from HBCUs and achieved great heights throughout their careers.
Impact is cultivated on the sacred grounds of these institutions. Here are 10 inspirational Black HBCU women graduates making a difference in their communities.
Pinky Cole
Restaurant connoisseur Pinky Cole is the owner of the plant-based restaurant chain, “Slutty Vegan.” Before entering the restaurant industry, the Clark Atlanta University graduate, was a television producer for six years. Starting in the city of her beloved HBCU, Cole since has expanded her vegan empire across the nation, with locations in New York, Alabama and Dallas.
K. Michelle
The adored R&B songstress and HBCU graduate K. Michelle has given loyal listeners countless hits. “Can’t Raise a Man,” “V.S.O.P.,” “Love’ Em All,” “The Rain” and other timeless songs have served as the soundtrack for many of her fans’ lives. After releasing her final R&B album, “I’m The Problem,” in 2023, the Florida A&M University graduate is taking her talents to the country music airwaves.
La La Anthony
La La Anthony emerged on the entertainment scene as a radio host at the beginning stages of her career. The Howard University graduate became a TV host before officially launching her acting career, landing her big roles on “BMF” and “Power.” She also has starred in shows, like “The Chi,” and appeared in featured films, like “Think Like A Man,” “The Perfect Find,” and “Think Like a Man Too.” The HBCU alumnae is also the bestselling author of “The Love Playbook” and has credits as a producer.
Megan Thee Stallion
The one and only “Hot Girl Hottie” showed the world that she was not choosing between a flourishing rap career and earning her degree. Megan Thee Stallion completed her education at Texas Southern University in 2021, juggling both her studies and her rising stardom. She made it all look easy, as she released smash hits, like “Body,” “Girls in the Hood” and “Bless The Booth,” while on the track to graduating. The rapper and HBCU graduate is gearing up for her first headlining tour for summer 2024.
Anika Noni Rose
Actress and singer Anika Noni Rose stole the world’s hearts with her groundbreaking performance voicing Princess Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Her outstanding role made history, as she became Walt Disney’s first Black princess. Before achieving historical heights, the Florida A&M University graduate starred in the iconic film, “Dreamgirls,” as Lorell Robinson. The HBCU alumnae and Tony award-winning actress has an extensive portfolio that has solidified her success.
Rocsi Diaz
Rocsi Diaz is best known for her time as co-host on BET’s “106 & Park.” The recent Bowie State University graduate’s vivacious personality captivated audiences, as she led the music video countdowns and conducted artist interviews. After completing a six-year run in 2012, the media personality lent her on-air talents to other major platforms. The HBCU alumnae has worked on NBC’s “E!” and Fox’s game show “Alter Ego.” She also has made appearances on “GMA3.”
Kamala Harris
As the first Black woman Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris’s historic achievements began at Howard University. She majored in political science and economics and has often referred to her time at Howard as formative in shaping her identity and career.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson, the Oscar-nominated actress known for roles in “Hidden Figures” and “Empire”, also attended Howard University. She studied theater and credits her time at Howard with giving her the tools and confidence to navigate Hollywood.
Erykah Badu
Known as the Queen of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu attended Grambling State University, where she studied theater. While she ultimately left to pursue her music career, her time at Grambling helped shape her artistry and commitment to creative expression.
Oprah Winfrey
Before becoming the media mogul we know today, Oprah Winfrey honed her craft at Tennessee State University. She studied communications and got her start in broadcasting through the school’s radio station.