For the Culture: 20 HBCU Grads To Watch

As we enter Black history month, we must celebrate all the history around us. It is essential to study and learn about the great black leaders of the past, such as Rosa Parks and her courage to fight racial injustice that launched the Bus Boycotts of Montgomery, Alabama, or first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.

However, we must acknowledge the work that is being done today. Nowadays, we hear little about Black people doing extraordinary things in the community daily from our teachers, business owners, activists, and politicians.

The people making a difference and doing great things in the world often come from your campus community. Your impact does not have to be monumental to be known, and many graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities are doing amazing things post-graduation.

Here are 20 HBCU graduates that you should watch in 2023!

DJ Scream - Tuskegee University

What started as hosting parties, releasing mixtapes, and landing radio appearances transformed into opportunities to work with prominent hip-hop/rap artists nationwide. From rappers, The Game, Plies, OutKast, Gucci Mane, and Migos, Scream has had a very successful career following graduation. Scream is most known for being associated with rapper Rick Ross’ music group, Maybach Music, where he worked on Ross’ hit album Rich Forever. In 2020 Scream founded a non-profit organization to focus on youth empowerment in poverty-stricken neighborhoods called The Scream Foundation. (Instagram: @djscream)

Avery Atkinson - Norfolk State University

“Why be local when global is an option!” is Avery Atkinson’s motto that she embodies. This social worker graduated from undergrad and took on many roles and responsibilities to help her community thrive. She is a 3x international author, holistic wellness practitioner, wellness pastor, international speaker, mentor, spiritual wellness coach, and so much more. She is proof that you can do it if you put your mind to it. (Instagram: @ladyaglobal)

Shawn Parker - Coppin State University

Shawn Parker and his brother created a restaurant dedicated to their mother, Connie, called Connie’s Chicken and Waffles. They are located in their home of Baltimore, Maryland, in the downtown area of Lexington Market. The brothers have seen tremendous success and love from the surrounding neighborhood and community. (Instagram: @connies_cw)

James Crump Wallace - Virginia State University

Entrepreneur James Crump Wallace is progressing in the fashion industry with his brand, The Spot, taking streetwear to the next level. He also co-founded The Diamond Flea Market, where national and local brands have a space to showcase their art and product to the community and beyond. Alongside community engagement, Wallace has worked closely with the non-profit organization Dreamer Academy Foundation to aid in the progression of the community of Central Virginia. (Instagram: @notesxshoes)

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Orlando W. Paden - Coahoma Community College

Since 2016, Orlando Paden has served as the Mississippi House of Representatives member from the 26th district. He’s a two-time HBCU graduate, receiving his Associate of Art and Sciences from Coahoma Community College and obtaining his Bachelor of Art in Political Science from Alcorn State University.

Jahliel Thurman - Virginia State University

This Virginia State University alumnus is the CEO and Founder of the digital marketing brand Yard Talk. The platform aims to increase the social impact and awareness of HBCUs nationwide. He also is the host and executive producer of the TV show HBCU 101, which promotes entertainment, lifestyle, and culture on the ApsireTV network. (Instagram: @ jahlielthurman)

Olutoyin Asubiojo - Lincoln University

Upon graduation, Olutoyin Asubiojo began her career a JP Morgan Chase while furthering her education at Wilmington University, where she received her MBA. While at JP Morgan Chase, she created the first-ever HBCU DAY, allowing Lincoln University and Delaware State University students to experience JP Morgan Chase. She now works for Capital One and works to provide opportunities to Black and Latinx students. She also started her business to support women entrepreneurs and their brand, Toy’s Branding. (Instagram: @african_royalty)

Anfernee Robinson - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

From the classroom to the world, Anfernee Robinson has created two anime series, AKAI and Double DUTCH!! His projects quickly became the #1 Best Selling titles worldwide via Amazon. He has also had full-time experience directing, producing, animation, and TV script writing, with many projects coming out soon. (Twitter: @zero_n_bless)

Dr. Nishan Pressely - Norfolk State University

Dr. Nishan Pressely is the first and only African American to graduate from the accelerated scholar’s optometry program, completing her doctorate in only three years. Currently pursuing her practice in Orlando, Florida, she aims to increase awareness about eye health in the community. She also owns a frame boutique called EyesOnMe and serves on the executive board of the national optometric association. (Instagram: @askdrnish)

Archie Clay - Tuskegee University

Taking the fashion industry to the next level, Archie Clay is the co-founder and CEO of a luxury fedora hat company called WearBrims. His goal is to change how people see luxury hats in the fashion industry. With the success of his brand, he has been featured in many magazines, including British GQ and The Huffington Post. Clay also has had many celebrities wear his products, including Chris Paul, Lance Gross, and Karen Civil. (Instagram: @archieclaythe3rd)

Ro’Chelle Williams- Tougaloo University

From serving on many executive boards in college to working in politics following graduation, Ro’Chelle Williams is looking to make a change within his community in any way he can. He has worked and interned for the Democratic National Committee in the office of the chair and the climate action campaign. Since obtaining his degree, he has been looking to further his career by receiving his Ph.D. at Howard University, Columbia University, or George Washington University in hopes of one day being a University’s President. He currently serves on several boards, including the board of directors for the Cassius L. Rudolph Scholarship Fund, the national membership chair of the Tougaloo College National Alum Association, and other boards through the Washington metropolitan area.

D’Ante Smith - Lincoln University

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Charlyne Smith - Coppin State University

The Jamaica native moved to the United States to pursue her career in science and technology to create clean energy solutions. Upon graduating from Coppin State University with a double major in Chemistry and Mathematics, she became the first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida. During her Ph.D. program, she authored and co-authored many peer-reviewed journal manuscripts that received three research proposal awards totaling 150k. She hopes to introduce nuclear energy technology to the Caribbean and build STEM-based high schools in her home country. (Instagram: @charlyneamsmith)

Jewel Burks Soloman - Howard University

After achieving her bachelor’s degree at Howard University, Jewel Burks Solomon became the founder and CEO of a start-up called Partpic, allowing customers to quickly find industrial parts with a picture. In 2016, her organization was acquired by Amazon, where she helped elevate her technology to launch Amazon’s Part Finder in 2018. She is now head of Google for Startups in the United States, where she connects underrepresented startup founders with Google’s resources.

Myles Frost - Bowie State University

This Washington D.C native made his Broadway debut after starring as Michael Jackson in the new play MJ the Musical. He made history in the summer of 2022 after being the youngest individual actor to win a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. Following his win, he signed with the leading global talent and entertainment company, United Talent Agency. (Instagram: @myles.frost)

Anthony Anderson - Howard University

Notable Actor Anthony Anderson recently achieved his lifelong dream of receiving his bachelor’s degree from Howard University in May 2022. After 30 years, he returned to Howard to finish schooling after dropping out years ago because of his financial hardships. Following his departure from school back then, his acting career took off. With 15 Primetime Emmy awards and 81 nominations in total, Anderson has made a notable name for himself with now HBCU graduate added to his accomplishments. (Instagram: @anthonyanderson)

Nicole Taylor - Clark Atlanta University

After receiving her degree at Clark Atlanta University, food writer Nicole Taylor has created a name for herself in the food industry. She has written for notable food publications such as Bon Appetit and Food and Wine. She also is known for her books The Up South Cookbook and The Last OG Cookbook. She recently released a new cookbook in 2022 inspired by Juneteenth celebrations called Watermelon and Red Birds. (Instagram: @foodcultrist)

Starla Ross- Grambling State University

This educator and author have spent more than 15 years transforming children’s lives in and outside the classroom by partnering with districts all over the United States. She aims to ensure that every student has a fair shot at learning to read. She recently released a book titled Don’t Forget My Name to spread awareness about people who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (Twitter: @sweetstarla)

Cori Bush- Harris-Stowe State University

This HBCU graduate has served as the U.S. representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district. She is a representative and has worn many hats as a registered nurse, activist, organizer, and ordained pastor. As she progresses in her career, she hopes to champion legislation that advocates for those in need and the community’s betterment. (Instagram: @coribush)

Dominique Vaultz - Virginia Union University

Since graduating, Dominique Vaultz has entered the world of media tackling everything from film, hosting, writing, and production. She now has two businesses that allow HBCU students to intern and gain experience in the field. She also currently serves as the Office Production Assistant for Viacom. (Instagram: @itsdominiquemvaultz)