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On this day (March 20) in 1988, Atlanta University, the first HBCU in the Southern United States, consolidated with Clark College, the first four-year liberal arts college for African-Americans. Thus, Clark Atlanta University was born!
Since its establishment, CAU alumni have made significant contributions in entertainment, politics, civil service, and more! Regardless of their field of expertise, these “Notable Panthers” have made a name for themselves and represented the HBCU well!
In honor of Clark Atlanta University’s Founders’ Day, let’s look at some of its illustrious alumni!
1. Kenya Barris
Film & TV writer, producer & director; Creator of Black-ish, Girls Trip, and Grown-ish
2. Rev. Ralph Abernathy
Civil rights activist & minister, former president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
3. Bobby V.
R&B singer & songwriter, known for hits “Slow Down,” “Tell Me,” and “Anonymous”
4. Valeisha Butterfield-Jones
Former VP of Partnerships & Engagement at Google, Inc., former Co-President of The Recording Academy, co-founder of WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network)
5. Eva Marcille
Actress & Model, star of BET’s All The Queen’s Men, season 3 winner of America’s Next Top Model
6. James Weldon Johnson
Educator, civil rights activist, and songwriter of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem
7. Bryan-Michael Cox
Award-winning music producer & songwriter; credits include Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married,” Usher’s “U Got It Bad,” and Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off”
8. Bomani Jones
Sports journalist, former ESPN personality, host of The Right Time with Bomani Jones podcast
9. DJ Drama
DJ, rapper, record executive and producer, creator of the Gangsta Grillz brand
10. Ma$e
Rapper, minister, and host of the It Is What It Is sports podcast
11. Jacque Reid
Journalist, radio & TV personality, formerly of BET Nightly News and NBC
12. Pinky Cole
Restauranteur, owner/founder of Slutty Vegan restaurants
13. Emmanuel Lewis
Actor, best known for lead role in 1980s TV sitcom Webster
14. Kenny Leon
TV & Broadway director, producer, and actor, 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Direction of a Play (A Raisin in the Sun)
15. Hosea Williams
Civil rights activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, leader in the SCLC and scientist