Alumni Building Alumni

The Yardrunners program began with a simple yet radical idea from two Howard University graduates, Richard Palmer and Arinze Emeagwali. They met on campus and bonded over their love of sneakers long before joining the Swoosh.

Years later, after each had built careers in marketing — Palmer with Jordan Brand and later Nike HQ, Emeagwali with Nike NYC — they reconnected to reshape how Nike engaged HBCUs.

In 2020, they pitched a concept that reimagined Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” message as “You Can’t Stop HBCUs.” Their goal was clear: to honor the people who make HBCUs thrive through authentic storytelling and design. From that idea came Yardrunners, a campaign that now serves as Nike’s bridge to the HBCU community.

Culture Carried Forward

That founding vision still guides the work today. Two HBCU alumni now lead the Yardrunners initiative within Nike. They collaborate with Black-led creative agencies such as League Twenty Two to ensure each release reflects the community’s authentic voice.

The imagery, language, and style now stretch far beyond product drops. Nike’s social channels, billboards, and editorial platforms feature real HBCU faces and stories. According to VIBE.com, the campaign’s purpose remains consistent — to elevate HBCU students and alumni through storytelling, products, and genuine collaboration.

HBCUs as the Heartbeat

This year’s Air Max ’95 Yardrunners 6.0 campaign spotlights four iconic institutions — Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Norfolk State University — and the people who represent their legacy.

At Florida A&M, Yardrunners captures the energy of Rattler Nation. Dr. Shelby Chipman, director of the Marching “100,” continues the school’s musical tradition.

David Castro, founder of DungeonFord, brings Rattler creativity into streetwear.

Zayla Bryant, elected SGA President for 2024–25, leads with purpose.

Arayana Ladson, the SWAC Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Most Outstanding Track Performer (2025), embodies athletic excellence. Together, they reflect FAMU’s mix of culture, pride, and progress.

SpelHouse

At Spelman College, the Air Max 95 silhouette mirrors the grace and strength that define one of America’s most storied women’s colleges.

The campaign highlights Dr. Joyce Finch Johnson, Professor Emerita of Music and College Organist since 1955, whose presence has shaped the Spelman soundtrack for generations.

Eboni Ellis, founder of the Women in Hip Hop Collective, channels Spelman’s legacy of creative leadership, while Olivia Brown, flag-football captain, and Kamora Freeland, one of the youngest African American female pilots in U.S. history — and New York’s youngest licensed Black female pilot at 17 — represent how Spelman continues to open doors for the next generation of changemakers.

For Morehouse College, the maroon-and-black design represents strength, scholarship, and continuity.

Featured figures include Dr. Brock Mayers, Dean of Students.

Keshawn Wiley III, 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Rodney Gross, scholar-athlete and javelin standout.

The Moody Family, a father-and-son duo symbolizing generational excellence.

Lastly, Norfolk State University radiates Spartan pride in green and gold.

Marty Miller, Hall of Fame coach and former athletic director, anchors the story.

Demetrius Pernell, Mister NSU.

Quiara Jackson, the school’s first female drum major.

Indya Richards, proud alumna, showcases the resilience and unity that define NSU.

Legacy as a Loop

Each of these individuals carries forward what Yardrunners represents — HBCU excellence in motion. And each new campaign expands that circle.

From 2021’s HBCU dance showcase featuring Texas Southern alum Megan Thee Stallion, to 2023’s Morehouse Nike Terminator collaboration with Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, to 2024’s “Started on the Yard” campaign narrated by Stephen A. Smith, Yardrunners has centered alumni who lift others as they climb.

That lineage continues with Yardrunners 6.0, which joins Nike’s growing collection of HBCU-driven releases. “When current students look back, they’ll be able to say Yardrunners was part of their HBCU experience,” said Palmer. “That means the world to us.”

Culture by the Culture

Yardrunners 6.0 isn’t a typical marketing campaign. It’s an ecosystem of alumni using creative power to spotlight others walking the same halls they once did.

From Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton to the brick yards of HBCU campuses, it shows that authenticity isn’t a trend — it’s the foundation of legacy.

Available October 11 at select retailers and on the SNKRS app October 14, Yardrunners 6.0 is more than a product drop. It’s a story of HBCU pride told by the people who live it.

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A Yardrunners Tradition Expands

Since 2020, Nike has shown love to HBCUs through the Yardrunners program, which was created to celebrate the legacies of HBCU institutions and the people they serve with footwear designed by alumni. On its fifth anniversary, the program is marking the occasion with what sneakernews.com calls its “most ambitious release yet:” a full lineup of four Air Max ’95s, each paying tribute to a different HBCU.

For Holiday 2025, the Yardrunners Air Max ’95 pack highlights Spelman College, Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, and Norfolk State University. Each design pulls from school history, color palettes, and mascots—turning sneakers into wearable symbols of HBCU pride.

Earlier HBCU Releases by Nike

This new drop follows several high-profile collaborations. For example, Clark Atlanta University received its own Nike Dunk colorway in 2022. Howard University later showcased a Jordan Brand Air Jordan 4 Player Exclusive, complete with custom “HU” lace dubraes and school crest.

In addition, the Yardrunners 3.0 collection featured Dunk colorways and apparel timed with HBCU homecomings. The Terminator High HBCU Pack arrived in 2023, while Virginia Union University debuted an Air Force 1 release in 2024.

Details Behind the Drop

– Morehouse pairs tiger-inspired red and black stripes with bold accents.
– FAMU takes on green reptilian textures, a clear nod to the Rattler.
– Spelman celebrates the jaguar with spotted dark and light blue suede.
– Norfolk State opts for understated yellow hairy suede, representing Mr. Spartan.

Every sneaker comes dressed with school letter logos and founding years on the tongues, custom insoles with full school names, and even graphic treatments on the visible Air cushioning that mirror each pair’s overlay patterns—with Norfolk State being the lone exception. These extra design elements push the drop into collectors’ territory, blending heritage with modern sneaker aesthetics.

When and Where to Cop

The Yardrunners Air Max ’95 pack will be available during the Holiday 2025 season through Nike.com and select retailers. The retail price will be $190 per pair.

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But which HBCUs best prepare students for long-term career success? That’s the question LinkedIn set out to answer with its 2025 Top Colleges list, which ranks institutions based on the career outcomes of alumni.

How the Rankings Were Determined

LinkedIn’s methodology focuses on real-world alumni outcomes. The platform evaluated its massive Economic Graph, tracking how graduates fare after leaving campus. Key factors included:

• Employment success: How quickly graduates land full-time roles.
• Career progression: How often alumni advance into senior or leadership positions.
• Long-term outcomes: Patterns of sustained career growth across industries.

This approach shifts the conversation from prestige or admissions selectivity to what matters most—whether students thrive professionally after graduation.

The Top 10 HBCUs in the U.S. (2025)

1. Howard University

Known as “The Mecca,” Howard consistently produces leaders in politics, business, arts, and sciences. Its location in Washington, D.C., provides unmatched opportunities for internships and careers in government, law, and media.

2. Morehouse College

The only all-male HBCU, Morehouse has a historic legacy of cultivating Black male leadership. Its alumni network stretches from civil rights icons to Fortune 500 executives.

3. Spelman College

As the nation’s top-ranked HBCU for women, Spelman continues to empower its graduates in STEM, the arts, and leadership roles. Its strong academic reputation and sisterhood network open doors worldwide.

4. North Carolina A&T State University

The largest HBCU in the nation, NC A&T is a powerhouse in engineering, agriculture, and business. Its graduates are highly sought after in corporate America and government alike.

5. Hampton University

Nicknamed “The Standard of Excellence,” Hampton blends tradition with innovation, preparing alumni for careers in healthcare, education, and media.

6. Tuskegee University

With deep roots in STEM and agriculture, Tuskegee continues to push boundaries in research and professional training, producing trailblazers in engineering, science, and the military.

7. Florida A&M University (FAMU)

FAMU’s School of Business and Industry is a standout pipeline for Black talent into Fortune 500 companies. Alumni span industries from finance to entertainment.

8. Clark Atlanta University

Located in the heart of Atlanta, CAU thrives on combining business, arts, and social sciences. Its strong alumni network fuels opportunities in one of America’s fastest-growing cities.

9. Xavier University of Louisiana

Renowned for sending more Black graduates to medical school than any other university, Xavier excels in the sciences and health professions.

10. Morgan State University

As Maryland’s premier urban research university, Morgan produces leaders across engineering, business, and urban planning—helping to shape cities of the future.

Why These Rankings Matter

HBCUs don’t just provide education—they create pathways to leadership, equity, and community advancement. LinkedIn’s rankings highlight how these schools are not only preserving tradition but also adapting to a changing economy, ensuring their graduates remain competitive in a global workforce.

For students and families considering college choices, these results affirm what alumni have long known: an HBCU education pays off—not only in cultural pride but also in career success.

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The collection extends Ralph Lauren’s partnership with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, two iconic HBCU institutions. It features apparel and accessories that reflect timeless collegiate style and highlight the proud traditions of HBCU excellence.

Oak Bluffs: A Symbol of the Black American Dream

Oak Bluffs, located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, has served as a summer destination for Black families for over a century. In the early 20th century, middle-class Black families began vacationing there to escape racial segregation. Over time, writers, poets, and artists like Langston Hughes and Dorothy West turned Oak Bluffs into a creative retreat.

Ralph Lauren said, “This collection is about more than just a charming coastal town. It’s a story of the American dream. Oak Bluffs’ unique history, traditions, and sense of community deeply inspire me and speak to what we are all searching for – a place where you can be free, uncontrived, joyful, and truly at home.”

HBCU Alumni Bring the Vision to Life

Morehouse and Spelman alumni working at Ralph Lauren conceptualized and designed the Oak Bluffs capsule. Their involvement ensures cultural authenticity in every piece.

The campaign includes creative contributions from author and filmmaker Cole Brown. Photographer Nadine Ijewere captured the visuals, and Azariah Bjørvig filmed the collection’s video. Their work reflects the collection’s message of joy, identity, and legacy.

David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren, explained, “Telling stories about American life and style has been at the heart of Ralph Lauren for nearly 60 years. Over the past several years, we have made a dedicated effort to expand the aperture around the stories that we share. We found a deep connection between our company and their institutions – a love for shared connection and community, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in honoring timeless traditions.”

A New Chapter: Fashion and Film Come Together

Alongside the fashion release, Ralph Lauren will debut a full-length documentary titled A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs. The film premieres on YouTube on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the same day as the collection launch.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival will host a special screening and panel discussion on August 8, 2025. The event will focus on narrative as a tool for racial healing and cultural preservation.

Where to Buy the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs Collection

Shoppers can find the collection on the Ralph Lauren website, through the Ralph Lauren App, and in select Ralph Lauren retail stores. Morehouse College and Spelman College Follett campus bookstores will also carry the line, while supplies last.

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According to U.S. News & World Report, the average four-year graduation rate among the 78 ranked HBCUs reporting data was 23.2% for first-time, first-year students. Among the top 20 ranked HBCUs, that number rises significantly to an average of 40%, reflecting the growing emphasis on student retention and timely degree completion.

Key Highlights from U.S. News Data

• Spelman College in Georgia ranks No. 1 overall among HBCUs and leads the nation with a 68% four-year graduation rate, up 1% from the previous year.
• Howard University in Washington, D.C. holds the No. 2 spot, with a four-year graduation rate of 60%, down 1% year-over-year.
• Xavier University of Louisiana ranks third on the graduation list at 48%, followed by Fort Valley State University (44%) and Virginia Union University (41%).
• The national average enrollment across reporting HBCUs was 2,759 undergraduates, while the top 20 schools averaged 2,954.

Despite gains, challenges remain: eight HBCUs reported four-year graduation rates below 10%. Common barriers include changes in major, financial hardship, and personal obligations—all of which can delay or prevent degree completion.

Breakdown of Institution Types

Among the top 20 institutions with the highest four-year graduation rates:

• 5 are National Universities
• 7 are National Liberal Arts Colleges
• 8 are Regional Colleges or Universities

Only ranked institutions were included in this dataset. Unranked schools, which did not meet U.S. News & World Report‘s eligibility requirements, were not considered.

Top 20 HBCUs by Four-Year Graduation Rate

Source: U.S. News & World Report

For prospective students and families, graduation rate is a key metric when evaluating college outcomes. The most recent data shows that HBCUs continue to foster strong academic environments where students can thrive, graduate, and enter the workforce with competitive credentials.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, HBCU Rankings and Graduation Rate Data

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Jaden Lucas Miller: From HBCU classroom to National TV

Jaden Lucas Miller knew how to entertain at just one year old. Family parties and talent shows became his stage. Today, he’s stepping onto a much bigger one.

Miller is a sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University. He’s also one of the stars of CBS’s hit soap opera, Beyond the Gates. The show made history as the first daytime drama to center on a powerful African American family.

Miller plays Tyrell Richardson. His character is the grandson of wealthy Black elites in Washington, D.C. He got the role while sitting in his Cooper Hall dorm room.

“I took it as a blessing,” Miller said. “As a young Black male, I think these stories matter.”

He also stars in the upcoming BET series Divorce Sisters, which premieres June 9. Miller says acting is more than fun—it’s meaningful.

“I want to help tell our stories,” he said. “Acting can be my way to do that.”

Balancing Acting and Psychology

Miller studies psychology at A&T’s Harrison College of Health and Human Sciences. He uses what he learns in class to shape his acting.

“Psychology helps me understand people and characters,” he said.

He credits his mother, Georgia Miller, for his drive. She took him to theater workshops across North Carolina and even in Atlanta.

“This was not me. It was all God,” she said. “I’m just here to guide Jaden.”

Now, he balances life on set with his studies. Each role he takes on feels personal. He wants to represent voices that often go unheard.

“I’m chosen, and I have a purpose,” Miller said. “That’s what my mom always told me.”

Rolonda Watts: A Spelman Alum with Staying Power

Rolonda Watts brings experience and style to every role. She’s a graduate of Spelman College, where she led the campus newspaper and graduated magna cum laude.

Watts stars in Bounce TV’s Mind Your Business. The comedy follows the Williams family as they run a party business in Chicago. The show’s second season premieres June 7 at 8 p.m. ET.

Watts plays a lead role alongside Columbus Short and Drew Sidora. In Season 2, the family faces twists, secrets, and hilarious drama.

The show became Bounce TV’s biggest premiere ever. Over 2 million households tuned in during its debut weekend.

Watts was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her mother was a dean at Wake Forest. Her father chaired the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State.

She’s more than an actress. Watts is an Emmy-winning journalist, voice actor, and author. She continues to shine while lifting others with her.

HBCU Talent Rising

Jaden Miller and Rolonda Watts show the range of HBCU talent. One is just beginning. The other is a veteran. But both are proud of their roots and committed to telling powerful stories.

As television evolves, HBCU grads are taking the spotlight. They are proving that great storytelling starts in the halls of historically Black colleges and universities.

Want more stories like this? Stay tuned—HBCU excellence is just getting started.

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One of the most profound moments of her speech centered around an African ritual from the Babemba tribe of South Africa, which she shared as a metaphor for resilience and collective compassion. “When a person acts irresponsibly or harmfully,” Henson explained, “they are placed in the center of the village, surrounded by every woman, man, and child, who for two days speak only positive affirmations, reminding that person of their good deeds and true nature.”

She emphasized that the tribe does not discard those who falter. Instead, their mistakes are seen as a cry for help, and the community works together to restore the individual’s sense of worth. “The person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe,” she continued. “This, for me, is my sister circle.”

Leaning into the Sister Circle

Henson encouraged the graduates to lean into their own sister circles. She encouraged the ladies to find strength in their community, and to carry the ancestral wisdom and light within them. “You are never alone,” she reminded the Class of 2025.

The actress’s deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting speech resonated across social media. The viral moment affirmed Henson’s place not only in Hollywood but as a cherished voice within the HBCU community. The words of the Howard University graduate were a powerful tribute to the enduring strength, cultural pride, and spiritual depth that define the HBCU experience.

This HBCU graduation address from Taraji P. Henson was not just a speech—it was a call to remember, to reconnect, and to rise together.

Taraji P. Henson commands the screen with a dynamic filmography that spans genres. She exploded onto the scene in Baby Boy (2001), a timeless classic over two decades later. She then earned an Oscar nomination for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). On the small screen Henson stole hearts as Cookie Lyon in the hit FOX series Empire. Back on the silver screen she brought history to life in the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures (2016). She showcased her range in films like Hustle & Flow, Proud Mary, What Men Want, and Think Like a Man. With every role, Henson proves her place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and powerful actresses.

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Parker Whitfield, daughter of actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield and actor Dondre Whitfield, sat next to Bronny James during the Aug. 8 Team USA win over Serbia. 

Whitfield currently attends Spelman College, an HBCU located in Atlanta, Georgia. She started school last fall.

“And just like that our baby is off to college. Wasn’t I just changing her diapers last week. Time has gone by way too fast. I know she’s ready but I’m going to miss my baby. @alldondre we did good my love,” Salli wrote in an Instagram caption last year.

The pair also took in the Aug. 6 game between Team USA and Team Brazil. Team USA went on to win the gold medal after tightly contested games against Serbia and France on Thursday and Saturday. 

Whitfield hails from Los Angeles. Bronny’s father, LeBron James, has played in Los Angeles for over half a decade. The pair’s appearances have fueled rumors of a romance.

The first college offer for Bronny James came from North Carolina Central back in 2020, with one from rival North Carolina A&T to soon follow. James ultimately spent one season in college at USC before entering the 2024 NBA Draft. He was selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Lakers.

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Ludacris posted two photos of himself and his daughter along with family members to his Instagram account on Monday with the following caption.

“Make Sure You Add “SUMMA CUM LAUDE” When You Speak About MINES @karma.christine HONORS #prouddaddy“

The photos currently have over 342K likes.

Bridges was a film studies student at Spelman according to her LinkedIn profile. She describes herself as a producer, actress, women’s advocate and entrepreneur. She says she aspires to work as a creative producer to showcase diverse stories and bring new voices to the screen.

Ludacris of course is no stranger to the big screen. A generation has grown up with him playing the role of ‘Tej Parker’ in the Fast & Furious film series ever since 2003. As a rapper he’s put out nine studio albums, including ‘Release Therapy’ which won a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2007. He’s also won a Grammy for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

He also created the Netflix animated series ‘Karmas World’ which follows the character Karma Grant, who is an aspiring rapper who wants to change the world with her music. The series was inspired by his daughter, the newly minted Spelman alum.

The aspiring actress has appeared in the feature length film ‘Lost Nation’ and the short film ‘Colt 45.’

Ludacris wasn’t the only star in attendance for Sunday’s commencement at Spelman. This year’s address was delivered by actress Angela Bassett.

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ATLANTA  Spelman College announced Thursday that actress, director and executive producer Angela Bassett will be the keynote speaker for the College’s 137^th Commencement Ceremony and will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree. The College will also award an honorary degree — Doctor of Laws — to trailblazing Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, as well as a National Community Service Award to highly acclaimed Atlanta journalist Rose Scott during Commencement at3 p.m., Sunday, May 19, at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). The renowned social justice minister Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder will address graduates during the Baccalaureate Ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18, also at the GICC.

Bassett, an Honorary Oscar recipient, is known for captivating performances in iconic films, such as Malcolm X, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Black Panther, Mission Impossible: Fallout and What’s Love Got to Do With It, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Bassett returned as the beloved Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and received Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and NAACP Image Entertainer of the Year awards with Academy Award, SAG and BAFTA nominations, as well as the Variety Creative Impact in Acting Award. She is also the star and executive producer of the ABC/Disney hit drama 9-1-1, the recently released Netflix Originals blockbuster feature film Damsel and is narrator of the critically acclaimed NatGeo limited series Queens.

Bassett was named one of the Time 100 and Time Women of the Year in 2023, has earned multiple EMMY nominations and is the recipient of numerous awards, including a SAG Award, 16 NAACP Image Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, the Black Girls Rock! Icon Award and many more.

“Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” said Spelman College President Helene D. Gayle, M.D., MPH.  “Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces. We are equally honored to have a slate of strong Black women join us for our weekend ceremonies, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Atlanta community icon Rose Scott and the esteemed Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder. We look forward to them inspiring our graduates, their families and the Spelman community.”

The Class of 2024 includes 504 degree candidates, receiving 325 Bachelor of Arts and 179 Bachelor of Science degrees.

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The donation is from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, Chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

Stryker has been a Spelman College Trustee since 1997. She has worked for decades to empower women through higher education and advance opportunities for additional marginalized groups.

The $100 million comes as Spelman College marks 100 years since its official naming in 1924. The gift is an important first step on Spelman’s path to becoming need-blind, helping to attract the best and brightest students by eliminating potential barriers to admission.

$75 million of the $100 million will go to endowed scholarships for future students, helping Spelman College continue to attract the best and brightest students, while working to remove any financial barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling at Spelman. The remaining $25 million will be used to develop an academic focus on public policy and democracy, improve student housing and provide flexible funding to meet critical strategic needs.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

Students are now celebrating the generosity of Stryker and Johnston at a ceremony commemorating the gift.

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