The ‘Michael’ biopic is already making history, and HBCU alumni, along with Divine Nine members, played a major role in bringing the film to life both on and off the screen.
Director Antoine Fuqua, a graduate of West Virginia State University, helped lead the record-breaking project that opened to over $200 million worldwide and is already being called the biggest musical biopic of all time.
The film also spotlighted several other HBCU-connected stars and creatives. Liv Symone, a proud alumna of Howard University, stepped into the role of legendary singer Gladys Knight.
At the same time, Jamal Henderson, a graduate of Tennessee State University, portrayed Jermaine Jackson in the highly anticipated film.
The movie’s fashion and styling have also generated major buzz, thanks in part to costume designer Marci Rogers, a Howard University graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., who helped recreate some of Michael Jackson’s most iconic looks for the big screen.
Adding even more D9 representation, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, who portrays Michael Jackson’s bodyguard Bill Bray, is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
With speculation already swirling about a possible ‘Michael’ Part 2, these talented HBCU graduates and Divine Nine members continue to show the creativity and excellence that HBCU culture brings to Hollywood, proving their impact shines everywhere, both on and off the set.
