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.

9Jarren Small | Prairie View A&M University

Jarren Small is a visionary alum of Prairie View A&M University.  Hailing from Missouri City, Texas, he has combined his love for communications and community service to truly leave an impact.  He has gone on to found a non-profit dedicated to community service and events.

By the time he was in high school, Jarren was accepted to a broadcast media academy. There he learned invaluable skills spanning video footage, commercials, Public Service Announcements, and even the professional software Final Cut Pro.  Jarren went on to become a model student at PVAMU. In addition to his studies, he found a way to actively improve his student body as well. Jarren was elected Student Government Association President for the 2011-2012 school year.  He majored in Mass Communication, and minored in Marketing. Always on a mission, he fostered relationships with the mayor of Houston and Houston Television (HTV) as well.

Jarren now supports his Houston community through his 501(c) non-profit Legends Do Live (LDL), supports youth ages 13-25 and has a three-part program plan. One is community restoration, encouraging youth success through assemblies, tutoring, and college seminars.  LDL monetarily invests in the needs of impoverished communities and schools.  Jarren emphasizes the importance of reinvesting into your hometown. He feels the Houston community has done so much for him as a child, and now he pays it forward.  Smalls has said he wants the world to know that anything is possible once you have a positive mindset. Follow Jarren Small on Instagram and Twitter.

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