Style, class and grinding hard are just a few of the many words that come to mind when it comes to describing our HBCU graduates. And with ALMOST CHRISTMAS just around the corner, alums to none other than the great FAMU and the well-renowned Morgan State (David E. Talbert and Will Packer respectively), have combined their power and prowess as they embarked on bringing to life the family Christmas film of the year. In celebration of our fellow alumns, we wanted to share the below list of celebrities you may not have known attended HBCUs themselves, as they continue to impress us with their blend of scholarly and creative skills from top HBCUs across the country.
Check out some of our favorite singers, rappers, actors, directors, and entrepreneurs below and find out who graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a full blown scholarship!
Will Packer
Known for producing low-budget, high-profit movies, American film producer and director, Will Packer attended Florida A&M University in the fall of 1991 and graduated magna cum laude from with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
David E. Talbert
The Kingpin of urban comedies and musicals, David E. Talbert is an American filmmaker, playwright and author, who has directed some of our favorite films such as BAGGAGE CLAIM and FIRST SUNDAY. Graduating from Morgan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, David switched his career to the film industry, and it has been not stop entertainment from there!
Oprah
This iconic woman, without a doubt, is America’s favorite idol. The beloved Oprah attended Tennessee State University on a full scholarship and majored in speech communications and performing arts. Her lectures at Tennessee State definitely made an impact by allowing her to pursue her own career as a Talk Show host and so much more. You are truly America’s favorite lady!
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson Lee, also known as Spike Lee, has produced over 35 films since ‘83. With a BA in Mass Communication from Morehouse College, Lee has set the bar high. He began his career during his undergrad while filming a student film and currently now owns his own production company – 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. Impressive!
Samuel L. Jackson
This actor and producer is a proud alumni of his 1972 class at Morehouse College. With his major in theatre, there is no doubt he knew he’d kill the game. From his big break in the early 1990’s with hits such as JUNGLE FEVER, JURASSIC PARK and PULP FICTION, Jackson continues to impress Hollywood with his amazing acting skills.
Keisha Knight Pulliam
At just the young age of six, Keisha was already being nominated for an Emmy Award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series’ from “The Cosby Show.” She really made it big in no time. An alumni of Spelman College, Keisha went on to pursue an unexpected degree in sociology and was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. This lady has done it all!
Erykah Badu
The Queen of Neo-Soul herself, Erykah Badu, has blessed us a countless number of times with her classics such as “On & On” and “Bag Lady”. With her hits touching on life’s toughest subjects, Badu knows how to make her alma mater proud. She attended Grambling University with an emphasis in performing arts.
Common
This rapper definitely knows how to hustle his way through Hollywood with his business administration degree. Straight out of Chi-Town, Common decided to leave it all behind and attend school in Florida at A&M University. Did we mention he entered on a full scholarship? We see you Common!
2 Chainz
This rapper continues to break barriers with his lyrics and songs. A graduate from Alabama State University, the G.O.O.D. music rapper went on to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and on a full scholarship! This scholarly rapper really meant it when he said “I’m Different”…
David Banner
Rapper and producer David Banner is and always has been, all about the biniz’. With his business degree from Southern University, Banner has worked his way to the top in no time. No wonder he wrote his anthem “Get Like Me”!
ALMOST CHRISTMAS
Premiering November 11th, 2016
SYNOPSIS: A new comedy from writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim) and producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like a Man series, This Christmas), Almost Christmas tells the festive story of a beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing one another, it will be a Christmas miracle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Official Website: http://www.almostchristmasmovie.com/
Like Almost Christmas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostchristmasmovie
Follow Almost Christmas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/almostchristmas
Follow Almost Christmas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostchristmasmovie/
