HBCU Top 30 Under 30 2019

An HBCU education is truly a privilege. It provides a priceless atmosphere for students of color to receive a solid education while instilling unapologetic confidence.  In the current national climate of heightened racial tensions, a volatile political environment, and an impression that most are only out to help themselves, we are thrilled to celebrate how 30 passionate young minds took their HBCU foundation and made history.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) produce more than a quarter of all African-American graduates in the country and are responsible for producing many of the nation’s black leaders. Iconic civil rights leaders, doctors, religious leaders, bankers, writers, Olympians, lawyers, musicians, engineers, actors, humanitarians, professional athletes, educators, scientists, and politicians have been educated at HBCUs.

Every year, the HBCU Top 30 Under 30 honors talented young men and women who are making remarkable strides in a variety of industries including sports, STEM, entertainment, media, business, public service and fashion. Among this year’s nominees are a star female rapper, an agile NFL quarterback, a community activist bringing fresh produce to the inner city, and a viral YouTube influencer. Check out the former classes here.

This year, with a record-breaking amount of nominations, we are exceptionally proud to present the 5th HBCU Top 30 Under 30 class. Congratulations to the young leaders who have been recognized, and congratulations to the esteemed HBCUs that have indisputably provided a strong and lasting foundation for the leaders of today and tomorrow.

4Kayla White | North Carolina A&T University

Kayla White is one of the fastest women in the nation.  She put North Carolina A&T University on the map when she ran the world’s fastest indoor 200-meter sprint earlier this year. While at the University of Arkansas’ 2019 Tyson Invitational, she crossed the finish line in 22.82 seconds, easily surpassing another student’s 23.07.  

Her place as a world record-breaker was almost expected after so many other preceding accomplishments.  During last season’s MEAC outdoor track championships, Kayla won gold in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, the 100-meter hurdles and the 4×100.

Kayla is definitely brings a sense of pride to her NC A&T family.  In 2017 she won NC A&T’s Female Athlete of the Year Award. She has also broken her school’s records in the 60-meter hurdles, and is ranked top 10 in the 60-meter hurdles and 60-meter dash.

Kayla White has left quite the legacy as an athlete at North Carolina A&T, and we can’t wait to see what she does next! Follow Kayla White on Instagram.

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