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HBCUs are not only home to popping homecoming parties and magnificent band competitions. They house arts and academic programs that rival their predominantly white counterparts in every way.
Leaders in every field ranging from the sound stage to the boardroom have attended HBCUs. See what celebs got their start at Maryland’s Morgan State University below.
01
Robert F. Chew
Before he was buying for a dollar and selling for two the actor who brought Proposition Joe to life on HBO’s The Wire studied music at Morgan State University.
02
Earl G. Graves
Black Enterprise founder and philanthropist, Earl G. Graves, Sr., sharpened the skills he used to become a major business force at Morgan State University.
03
Samm-Art Williams
The Tony Award-nominated playwright and screenwriter studied at Morgan State before going on the depict the Black experience in celebrated plays and on shows including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
04
April Ryan
Ryan received a degree in broadcast journalism prior to claiming her place as the White House press room’s edge-snatcher-in-chief.
05
Deniece Williams
Before she was using her sultry voice to ask us all to “Hear It For The Boy” Williams was walking the halls of Morgan State University.
06
Kevin Liles
Baltimore native Kevin Liles went to Morgan to study electrical engineer but he picked up the art of the hustle instead. He dropped out and went on to become one of the biggest names in the music industry.
07
Verda Welcome
Verda Welcome learned the history of her people before heading to the Senate to defend them. A bridge on the campus is named in her honor.
08
Mo’Nique
She may have loved Morgan for real but even that wasn’t enough to keep her from the spotlight. She was forced to answer the call of show business before graduating.
09
Maysa Leak
The Billboard chart-topping Jazz singer got her education at Morgan State University before getting her start in show business as a backup singer for Stevie Wonder.
