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.
3Will Packer- Florida A&M University
A magna cum laude graduate of Florida A&M University, producer Will ‘Power’ Packer has established himself as one of “Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers” and is one of the only African American producers in the world that has had eight of their films open number one at the box office. Collectively, his films have grossed nearly $1 billion! He told Diverseeducation.com, “attending an HBCU set the foundation for me to be successful in my career. The nurturing environment and the unyielding push for excellence [at FAMU] provided me with the analytical skills that I have needed to navigate the business world. I go back and give back every chance I get.”
