When it comes to HBCUs, it’s more than just support—it’s legacy in motion. From writing six- and seven-figure checks to launching scholarship pipelines and championing HBCU excellence on global stages, these celebrities are helping ensure Historically Black Colleges and Universities remain pillars of opportunity, culture, and excellence. Whether they’re alumni or allies, their contributions have left an undeniable mark.
Here’s a deeper look at 13 celebrities who’ve shown up for 12 different HBCUs in powerful and impactful ways:
1. Oprah Winfrey – Morehouse College
Media icon Oprah Winfrey has had a long-standing relationship with Morehouse College, dating back to 1989. Over the past three decades, she has donated more than $25 million to the school. Her support led to the establishment of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program, which has helped fund the education of over 600 young Black men. Oprah has also personally met with many of the scholars over the years, providing mentorship and inspiration. In 2019, she surprised the college with an additional $13 million, making it her largest single donation to any institution ever.
2. Beyoncé – Texas Southern University & Xavier University of Louisiana
Beyoncé’s deep connection to Black culture and education has been reflected in her ongoing support of HBCUs. In 2018, following her legendary Coachella performance inspired by HBCU homecomings, she launched the Homecoming Scholars Award Program through her BeyGOOD initiative, awarding $25,000 scholarships to four HBCUs, including Xavier University of Louisiana. The program was designed to celebrate academic excellence while preserving the cultural legacies of Black institutions.
Fast forward to June 2025, Beyoncé expanded her commitment to HBCUs when her BeyGOOD Foundation donated $100,000 to Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band. This donation was made just ahead of her Cowboy Carter tour stops in Houston, her hometown. The funds will support scholarships, infrastructure, recruitment, and the purchase of new band equipment. This gesture honored both the school’s legacy and its role in Houston’s cultural heartbeat.
3. Michael Jordan – Norfolk State University & Others
In 2020, basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand pledged $100 million over 10 years to support organizations dedicated to promoting racial equity. As part of that effort, Norfolk State University received a $1 million donation in 2021. The gift was used to expand career services, improve student success initiatives, and strengthen athletic and wellness facilities on campus. Jordan’s investment marked a significant moment, aligning the power of sports with transformative educational opportunity.
4. Nick Cannon – Howard University
Entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon took his support for HBCUs to a personal level by enrolling at Howard University in 2016 to pursue a degree in Criminology/Administration of Justice. Beyond his own education, Cannon launched a scholarship fund through UNCF and worked to promote HBCU awareness through his television platforms. He’s also partnered with brands and networks to provide media internships and opportunities to Howard students, highlighting how education and industry access can go hand in hand.
5. Pharrell Williams – Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams is a champion of creativity and economic empowerment. Through his Black Ambition initiative, Pharrell created a platform to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in launching high-growth startups. FAMU students have directly benefited from this with access to startup capital, mentorship, and pitch competitions. In addition to funding, Pharrell has spotlighted FAMU students at national innovation summits, helping launch careers in tech, design, and entrepreneurship.
6. Megan Thee Stallion – Texas Southern University
After earning her degree in Health Administration from Texas Southern University, Megan Thee Stallion made it a priority to pour back into her alma mater. She created a scholarship fund specifically for women of color, reflecting her mission to empower the next generation of Black women in leadership. In 2021, she partnered with Popeyes to donate $25,000 to TSU. Megan’s presence at TSU, both as a student and benefactor, reinforces the value of HBCUs as spaces of growth, visibility, and community pride.
7. Charles Barkley – Tuskegee University & Other HBCUs
]Former NBA star and commentator Charles Barkley has become one of the most consistent financial supporters of HBCUs. Since 2016, Barkley has quietly donated $1 million each to at least six HBCUs, including Tuskegee University, Miles College, Alabama A&M University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. His contributions have supported student scholarships, technology upgrades, and athletic departments. Barkley said his motivation was simple: “These schools are the lifeblood of the Black community, and they deserve all the support we can give them.”
8. 2 Chainz – Alabama State University
Rapper and entrepreneur, 2 Chainz, is an alumnus of Alabama State University, and he has consistently returned to support the school that helped shape him. In addition to making financial donations, he has hosted homecoming concerts that double as fundraising events. Through his foundation, 2 Chainz has also created community service and mentorship initiatives for ASU students, focusing on entrepreneurship and career building in entertainment and business.
9. Patti LaBelle – Bowie State University
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle has lent her star power to support Bowie State University through benefit concerts, galas, and HBCU advocacy campaigns. While exact donation amounts have not been publicly disclosed, her participation has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for student scholarships and emergency assistance programs. Her continued involvement underscores how cultural icons can play a vital role in advancing access to education.
10. Will & Jada Pinkett Smith – Spelman College
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, longtime advocates of arts education, made a $1 million donation to Spelman College to help develop its performing arts center. The gift supported student-led productions, new technology, and curriculum expansion. Jada, a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts, has spoken often about the importance of nurturing young Black women in theater and film—making Spelman the perfect partner in this mission.
11. Chris Paul – Winston-Salem State University
NBA star Chris Paul returned to finish his degree at Winston-Salem State University, graduating in 2022 and becoming a vocal advocate for HBCUs across the board. His support has gone far beyond his alma mater: he has donated over $2.5 million to HBCU initiatives, produced ESPN and YouTube Originals documentaries highlighting Black colleges, and partnered with organizations to expand sports and business programs. His efforts have not only funded scholarships but also reshaped how HBCUs are seen in the media landscape.
12. Tina Knowles – Texas Southern University
Before her daughter Beyoncé made headlines with a major TSU donation, Tina Knowles-Lawson had long been a quiet force behind the scenes. Through her foundation work and local philanthropy, she has consistently donated to TSU’s arts and theater programs, helped organize fundraising events, and supported creative enrichment for Black youth in Houston. Her investments highlight the power of nurturing artistic expression within academic spaces.
13. Samuel Jackson & LaTanya Richardson Jackson – Spelman College
Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, actress and producer LaTanya Richardson Jackson, have also made a powerful commitment to HBCUs. In 2023, the couple donated $5 million to Spelman College, LaTanya’s alma mater, marking one of the largest alumni donations in the school’s history. Their gift was designated to fund the renovation of Spelman’s John D. Rockefeller Fine Arts Building—renamed the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Performing Arts Center in their honor. Their contribution not only supports Spelman’s legacy of Black excellence in the arts but also ensures that future generations of students have access to world-class creative spaces, inspiring innovation and cultural expression at one of the nation’s leading HBCUs.
These celebrities aren’t just supporters—they’re investors in the next generation of Black excellence. Through their time, funds, and platforms, they are helping ensure HBCUs thrive for generations to come.
Which HBCU do you want to see in the spotlight next? Drop a comment and let’s keep the legacy going.
