Many people are completely unaware of the fact that several of the biggest names in the entertainment industry got their start at a historically black college/university. While in school, they were able to learn and perfect their craft and because of this, many of these celebrities attribute their success to their beloved HBCU. So here they are, 10 celebrities you never knew attended an HBCU!
1. Rick Ross
Before becoming the Teflon Don rapper that we are all familiar with, Rick Ross attended Albany State University for one year on a football scholarship.
2. K. Michelle
Well known TV personality and singer K Michelle received a music scholarship from Florida A&M University. K Michelle is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
3. Wendy Raquel Robinson
Before she was The Game’s Tasha Mack, Robinson was a fellow Bison! This actress graduated with honors from Howard University and earned a degree in drama!
4. Oprah Winfrey
It’s only right that one of the most powerful women in the world went to an HBCU. That’s right, Oprah Winfrey received a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where she studied communications.
5. Common
With a music career on the brain, Common managed to stay true to his studies and still find time to record in the studio. He attended Florida A&M University and studied business administration.
6. Lionel Richie
This entertainer was a student at Tuskegee University on a tennis scholarship. Richie received his degree in economics then later on, decided that music was his true passion.
7. Erykah Badu
Before she became the First Lady of Neo-Soul, Erykah Badu was a theatre major at Grambling State University.
8. Wale
Wale actually attended two HBCUs; he initially attended Virginia State University on a football scholarship then transferred to Bowie State University. It’s clear he couldn’t get enough of HBCUs!
9. Keshia Knight-Pulliam
Keshia Knight Pulliam is a Spelmanite and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The actress graduated with a degree in sociology.
10. 2 Chainz
Rapper 2 Chainz received an athletic scholarship to play college basketball at Alabama State University.