Black colleges are the breeding grounds for some of the world’s best lawyers, doctors, teachers, activists, scientists and engineers in the world. It only makes sense that these sane fertile grounds cultivate some of your favorite celebrities. Take a look at these stars from a number of various fields who all enjoyed the historically black college experience before they rose to fame.

12. Matthew Knowles – Fisk University

Record Executive/Father of Beyonce Knowles (Fisk University – 1974)