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.
27Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr.
Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr. is a higher education professional and a student-centered advocate with emphasis on supporting Black male student success. Hylton is a two-time HBCU graduate from Norfolk State University and North Carolina A&T State University where he earned his bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education/Mathematics and Adult & Higher Education, respectively. Darryl chose to pursue a career in the field of education in the 4th grade and chose to attend NSU in the 8th grade.
During his matriculation at Norfolk State University, Darryl was involved in a myriad of clubs, organizations, and activities and he was selected as a Thurgood Marshall College Fund Teacher Quality and Retention Program (TQRP) scholar. Hylton also served at the 10th Mr. Norfolk State and was one of the creators of the ‘Spartan Shuffle’ campus line dance. Darryl also served as Mr. Black Greensboro. After completing his undergraduate degree, Darryl returned to his home state to teach (as the only African-American male teacher in the district 5th grade math and science.)
Darryl volunteers with Peer Forward, Inc. as a College Coach. Eventually, he decided to make an impact on a larger scale which led him to become Co-Founder & CEO of his non-profit organization—Operation G.R.A.D, Incorporated. Operation G.R.A.D’s mission is to help college and universities increase the persistence and graduation rates of African-American males through mentoring. Rooted in the core values of Commitment, Community, Diversity, Education, and Integrity, Darryl and his co-founder’s (Jamie Enge) vision is to be the leading mentoring organization for Black males pursuing a college degree. He lives by the quote: “When my time on earth is finished, I want my legacy to be one that provided others the space to create their own.”—Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr.
