Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Initially funded by the John D. Rockefeller family, the school was opened as a place of higher learning for Black women in Atlanta. Since its opening on April 11,1881, Spelman College has served as one of the top private colleges in the nation. It is a private historically black women's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The college is part of the Atlanta University Center academic consortium in Atlanta. Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman received its collegiate charter in 1924, making it America's oldest private historically black liberal arts college for women.
Before beginning an accomplished career as a writer, Alice Walker received a full scholarship to Spelman College in 1961. She eventually became a vocal member of the burgeoning Civil Rights movement in Atlanta before finishing her college career at Sarah Lawrence College.
Rosalind G. Brewer
Rosalind G. Brewer is an American businesswoman, who is slated to become the CEO of Walgreens on March 15, 2021; at that time, she will be the only Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She is currently the COO of Starbucks and the former President and CEO of Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Marian Wright Edelman
Marian Wright Edelman is an American activist for children's rights. She has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. She is founder and president emerita of the Children's Defense Fund. She influenced leaders such at Martin Luther King Jr. and Hillary Clinton.
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. To date, Howard has awarded more than 120,000 degrees in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities. The historic main campus sits on a hilltop in Northwest Washington blocks from the storied U Street and Howard Theatre. We are two miles from the U.S. Capitol where many students intern, and scores of alumni shape national and foreign policy.
Born in Virginia, the comedian attended Hampton University as a marketing major. Sykes graduated in 1986 before blowing up into a television and film star —who’s worked with Chris Rock, the Wayans brothers, Bernie Mack, George Lopez and many more comedians.
Sylvia Trent - Adams
The acting Surgeon General of the United States is also the first African-American Nurse to fill the position. She graduated from Hampton in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Kellie Wells-Brinkley
Kellie Wells-Brinkley is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 100 meters hurdles. She won an Olympic bronze medal at the London 2012, setting a personal best in the process. She is an alumna of Hampton University.