In 1837, the saga of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) began a sturdy foundation that arguably built the African American community.
HBCUs yield more than a quarter of all African-American graduates in the country. In the 2017-2018 academic school year, 48,300 degrees were conferred by HBCUs. Every 365 days, nearly fifty thousand young minds complete a life changing cultural experience known as the HBCU-experience. After this educational rite of passage, graduates have the tools, knowledge, experience and network to accomplish their dreams and change the world. Many civil rights leaders, doctors, religious leaders, bankers, writers, Olympians, lawyers, musicians, engineers, actors, humanitarians, professional athletes, educators, scientists, and politicians that are woven into the advancement of The United States of America and beyond hail from Black colleges. Right now, more than ever, we need these leaders.
For the sixth year in a row, we recognize the significant achievement of alumni from these prestigious powerhouses. Various industries of former Top 30ers include sports, STEM, entertainment, media, business, public service and fashion. Check out the former classes here. From the youngest person to ever make the list, Clark Atlanta University’s Kahlil Darden at 19-years-old, to international superstar, Lil Yachty, this year’s top 30 is a diverse group of Black excellence. Congratulations to the 2020 HBCU Top 30 Under 30 Class.
1Remoshay Nelson
Capt. Remoshay R. Nelson made history in the U.S. Air Force as the first Black woman since the team’s inception in 1953. Nelson’s position is a highly selective one, only 332 officers have made the cut. She is one of 12 Thunderbirds and the first black woman to serve. She serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, Nellis Air ForceBase, Nev. As Thunderbird No. 12, she leads the team’s extensive marketing, publicity and community relations programs. Nelson is in her first season with the team.
Nelson entered the Air Force in 2011 with a Reserve Officer Training Corps commission from Howard University. She served as a diversity recruiter in the Gold Bar Program before completing the public affairs qualification course at Fort Meade, Md. Following training, she was assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office at Dover Air Force Base, Del.as the chief of media operations. Nelson then served in public affairs assignments in Turkey, Botswana and various locations in Europe. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, she was the Chief of Public Affairs, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Nelson is native of Douglassville, Georgia, a proud graduate of Howard University and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
