Hey HBCU Leggings Fam! Black excellence is an exceptional and inspiring phenomenon that deserves recognition and celebration every day. However, today, we want to shine a spotlight on a few historically Black college and university (HBCU) alumni who are not just successful in their respective fields, but are also making history with their contributions. These individuals represent the best of what can be achieved when education, passion, and hard work intersect. They serve as role models for young people and remind us of the limitless potential that lies within each of us. These HBCU alumni are changing the world and shaping the future, and it is our privilege to celebrate their achievements and share them with you!
Stacey Abrams (Spelman College)
Stacey Abrams is making history and inspiring us all! She has an impressive educational background, with a degree from Spelman College and a law degree from Yale Law School. Stacey has earned many awards and recognition, including the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, for her hard work and dedication.
Abrams is a rising political trailblazer known for her successful campaign for governor of Georgia and her important work to protect voting rights through her organization, Fair Fight. She's a passionate advocate for access to healthcare and education, and has made a big impact as Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives.
Abrams’ leadership and her inspiring speech as the first Black woman to deliver the Democratic response to the State of the Union Address make her a true hero in the fight for fairness and democracy. With Fair Fight, Stacey is breaking down barriers and making sure that everyone has a voice in the democratic process. She's leaving a lasting impact and inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps!
April Ryan (Morgan State University)
April Ryan is a superstar journalist and political analyst that has been covering the White House for over two decades. She's a boss when it comes to asking tough questions and bringing us in-depth reporting on all the big political stories. And, let's just say, she knows how to bring the heat in an interview!
But April isn't just a tough cookie, she's also a champion for diversity in the media and making sure all voices are heard. You might have seen her sharing her expert insights on CNN, or heard her on the radio breaking down the latest political happenings.
April's impressive career in journalism started with her studies at Morgan State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Communications Studies. And, boy, has she put that education to good use. She's been recognized with so many awards and honors, including National Association of Black Journalists' Journalist of the Year and the National Radio Hall of Fame's Pioneer Award. And, to top it all off, she's even been inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. Can you say, wow?!
So, if you're ever looking for the inside scoop on what's going on in the White House, just remember April Ryan is your girl!
The Aristocrat of Bands (Tennessee State University)
Just call us Tennessee State University GRAMMY-Award Winning Aristocrat of Bands! We WON in the Best Gospel Roots Album category! TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands has made history as THE 1st COLLEGIATE MARCHING BAND to WIN A GRAMMY!#ExcellenceIsOurHabit! pic.twitter.com/K6RPmdrqKT
— Tennessee State University (@TSUedu) February 5, 2023
Look out, because TSU's marching band, the Aristocrat of Bands, just made history in a big way! Although they don’t technically qualify as alumni, They're the first HBCU marching band to win a GRAMMY award and they took home not one, but two awards in the category of "Best Roots Gospel Album" for The Urban Hymnal and for their feature on J. Ivy's "The Poet Who Say By The Door."
And if that wasn't enough, TSU is also nominated for "Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song" and "Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album" for the upcoming 54th annual NAACP Image Awards, airing on February 25th! The Urban Hymnal was a collaboration between songwriter/producer Dallas Austin, artist/songwriter/producer Sir the Baptist, and TSU Professor Larry Jenkins, and it's clear that their hard work and musical talent is paying off.
While not all of the band members were able to make it to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to receive their award, Sir the Baptist was there to proudly accept it on their behalf. This is a momentous occasion for TSU and the Aristocrat of Bands, and we couldn't be more proud of their achievements!
Beyonce. Yes, Beyonce.
Speaking of the GRAMMYs - We are closing out this list with one and only Beyonce Knowles Carter. Okay, so Beyonce didn’t graduate from an HBCU…but she is an embodiment of Black Excellence.
From her early days in Destiny's Child to her solo career, Beyoncé has proven time and time again that she's a force to be reckoned with. And now, with 32 GRAMMY Awards under her belt, she is THE most awarded artist in history. But, it's not just her musical talents that make her a true embodiment of Black excellence.
Beyoncé is also a savvy businesswoman, branching out into fashion, film, and beauty with her own successful brand.
What truly sets Beyoncé apart, though, is her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering the Black community. She uses her music and other creative projects to celebrate Black culture and to raise awareness about important issues facing the community.
In short, Beyoncé embodies Black excellence in every sense of the word. From her musical talent to her entrepreneurial spirit, she inspires us all to be our best selves and to make a positive impact in the world. So, let's raise a glass to Beyoncé and all the incredible ways she embodies Black excellence!
Black excellence is all around us - from the House of Representatives to Hollywood, HBCU Alumni are making huge impacts on the world everyday. They serve as an inspiration and reminder of the limitless potential that lies within each of us and the impact that can be made when pursuing our passions. Let's continue to celebrate historic achievements throughout the Black community.
Who did we forget? Let us know at hello@hbculeggings.com and don’t forget to check our HBCU Love collection which proudly celebrates Black excellence and HBCU culture.