As Homecoming season persists throughout this month, it goes without saying that HBCUs breed greatness and success. For many students and alumni of these schools, the reminder is just how much can take place beyond the school walls. From videography and filmmaking to technology innovation, HBCU creators are setting a new pace by redefining what it means to blaze your own trail.
This list of alumni are proving that HBCU success isn’t just part of the legacy, but the future as well.
Jada George, Hampton University, Film Director and Photographer
With the debut of her award-winning short film, “Where the Children Go to Play”, Jada George has been providing a new perspective to the world of sci-fi and more Black representation in the media space. She, alongside fellow producers Alex Benton, Josh Montrell, and Julian Thedford, made a point of amplifying dystopian narratives while shedding light on the power dynamics that can affect communities. After almost 100 audition tapes, Jada and her colleagues selected their cast and moved into filming. Part of her creative process was working with a composer to build the film’s soundtrack. One-word descriptions allowed the composer to interpret in unique ways, yet they still created the desired auditory aesthetic.
“My favorite part was working with the composer, so I knew that sound design was going to have to be something big in this. I’m not used to doing stuff like that, because I’m normally in the world of romance. So, when you step into thriller and sci-fi, you get to really use that sound design as a huge element to tell the story,” she said.
The film has acted in the industry as a challenger of social constructs while highlighting its impact on identity at its core. As well as, depict inequalities that are subconsciously enforced in society. “I hope [the film] forces us to reflect on where we are today in the world. It speaks heavily on power and control, and what could happen when it’s in the hands of the wrong people or people who don’t have human interest, if you will,” George said.
Kyle Jones (Kyle On The Mic), Bowie State University, Entertainment Host
After growing roots at Bowie State University as Mr. Bowie State University and leading events on campus, Kyle Jones (professionally known as Kyle On The Mic) began building his brand as an entertainment host for some of the culture’s hottest nights. Working with brands like REVOLT, BET, and, more recently, DTLR as their on-air personality, it’s no surprise that his energy and charisma exude beyond the events he hosts. All of his hard work on campus paid off, giving him the confidence and work ethic to pursue opportunities that align with his career growth. So much so, he was even selected for this year’s Culture Con as Correspondent.
(@kyleonthemic)Carrington Whigham, Florida A&M University, Global Media Strategist
After receiving her master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a second from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Carrington Whigham set her sights on expanding her impact in the political space by leading informational digital content series on political issues. Her social media explainer videos have included topics such as the previous TikTok ban, the potential end of mail-in voting, and even the SAVE Act, which was set to impact numerous female voters’ rights. Carrington has made it a point to hold firmly to her FAMU roots by continuing to amplify diverse stories across her social media accounts on a global scale. This has also included her time working on the Harris-Walz political campaign as the Battleground State Deputy Digital Director of Engagement and partnering with the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania to provide education to Tanzanian youth on digital storytelling.
(@carringtonwhigham)Amir Duke, Morehouse College, Founder of The Duke Agency
On the business side of the entertainment industry, Morehouse alumnus Amir Duke is making a name for himself in the A&R world by launching The Duke Agency. This full-service management and marketing company has bred greatness within just a year of inception. Previous work has included partnerships with companies such as Google, JPMorgan Chase, the LA Clippers, and the LA Sparks. Through his agency, Amir is building his clientele to represent creatives in the entertainment industry while still maintaining his own personal brand.
LeKeith Jones, Clark Atlanta University, Filmmaker
After three attempts, LeKeith Jones brought his first film project to life. This humble beginning in resiliency is what led him to where he is today as a writer and filmmaker. He’s since supported production teams on popular TV shows such as Judge Steve Harvey, Married to Real Estate, and Love & Hip-Hop. Most notably, he’s known for his short film Urgency, which has gone viral over the last month, amassing over 800,000 views and making it YouTube’s highest-viewed short film series ever filmed at an HBCU.