African Americans have been supported throughout the years by amazing community groups that have educated, empowered and emboldened generations. Through engagement with institutions like the Black church, Black Greek organizations, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we leverage the strength of our collective to build our own legacies and live our best lives.

#HBCUsStillMatter

Originally established to allow recently emancipated slaves an opportunity to pursue higher education, HBCUs remain a necessity today, not only because they continue to outperform non-HBCU institutions in retaining and graduating first-generation African American students,but because they provide a safe environment for students that build confidence, foster success, and cultivate “faith, community, and service.” (1)  

Earlier installments of the #ChevyLegacyTrailblazer series highlighted famous members of Black Fraternities, and Sororities who are dedicated to their letters for life, and who have adopted community involvement and empowerment as their mission. Today, we’re honoring notable alumni of HBCUs, who have become trailblazers—disrupting industries, breaking boundaries, making history, and changing lives.

2Spike Lee– Morehouse College 

Spike Lee is an Academy Award winning producer, director, writer, actor, author, and lecturer who has stood up to the racial inequality of Hollywood, created jobs for black actors, and helped revolutionize modern black cinema.  His production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983. The ultimate Hollywood trailblazer, Lee graduated from Morehouse with a B.A. in Mass Communication.  It was there that he made his first student film, Last Hustle in Brooklyn.The rest is history!