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HBCUs have helped to create some of our favorite stars. In honor of many HBCU graduations this week, here are celebrities who got their start at historically Black institutions.

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Taraji P. Henson attended both North Carolina A&T and Howard University, where she learned that theater arts was where she belonged.

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We’ll never be short on Howard University grads and this alumna is no different. Before Wendy Raquel Robinson was a fan of the Sabers, she was reppin’ her fellow Bisons!

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During Will Packer's HBCU experience, this producer tapped into his filmmaking talents. This magna cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University now showcases his skills all over the big screen, including the box office hit Girls Trip, which is currently in the works for a sequel.

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This HBCU grad likes to be the teacher when he explains the influence of hip-hop culture. David Banner's personal experience comes from earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern University and A&M College, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

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We just know this comedienne brought all the laughs to Hampton University when she attended. Wanda Sykes graduated back in 1986 and would soon become a comedy legend.

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We know Terrence J as a top-notch host, but as a North Carolina A&T student he was better known as “DJ” Terrence J.

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The one and only Bobby Valentino took a turn early in his music career to attend Clark Atlanta University. Thankfully for us, he continued to find time for his music during his studies.

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Anika Noni Rose is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University. She would become a Tony winner and star in the iconic film Dreamgirls.

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Laz Alonso is no stranger to BET or the Howard University campus. This HU alum continues to show his HBCU pride and speak about the importance of these institutions!

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R&B icon Roberta Flack attended Howard University on a scholarship and enrolled when she was only 15. She graduated at 19 years old and became music royalty.

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Unlike the other alums, Nick Cannon attended an HBCU after he became famous. In 2020, a 39year-old Cannon graduated from Howard University with a degree in Criminology/Administration of Justice and a minor in Africana Studies.

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