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.
30Mikkyo McDaniel
“Mikkyo McDaniel is an advocate, organizer, and exceptional leader in her community. McDaniel is a native of Baltimore, MD and following the death of Freddie Gray, she led efforts to ensure her community understood Baltimore’s Consent Decree working as a fellow for Baltimore Votes and Black Girls Vote. McDaniel has participated and organized voter registration drives and assisted with the Party at the Mailbox initiative that is being administered by Baltimore Votes and Black Girls Vote in Baltimore’s 2020 election cycle.
Mikkyo was awarded the opportunity to represent the City of Baltimore as a legislative aide during the Maryland General Session 2020 where she personally supported two bills through written testimony; SB 1043 Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Funding and HB 0245 Election Law – Institutions of Higher Education – Voter Registration and Voting by Students (Student Voter Empowerment Act of 2020. She is an Emerge Maryland Alumna which is an organization that prepares women who are interested in running for a political office the tools to succeed in their campaign.
Mikkyo not only has a love for politics and civic engagement but for the nonprofit sector. She has sat on multiple boards throughout Baltimore City, for instance, I Am Mentality, Expanding Boundaries, and Hug Don’t Shoot. However, she is currently the youngest board member that sits on the Our Dream Foundation board that focuses on the development of inner-city high school-aged teens looking to create or expand on their business ideas. McDaniel is a Baltimore native and proud alumna of Morgan State University.”
