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On this day (March 20) in 1988, Atlanta University, the first HBCU in the Southern United States, consolidated with Clark College, the first four-year liberal arts college for African-Americans. Thus, Clark Atlanta University was born!
Since its establishment, CAU alumni have made significant contributions in entertainment, politics, civil service, and more! Regardless of their field of expertise, these “Notable Panthers” have made a name for themselves and represented the HBCU well!
In honor of Clark Atlanta University’s Founders’ Day, let’s look at some of its illustrious alumni!
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Kenya Barris
Film & TV writer, producer & director; Creator of Black-ish, Girls Trip, and Grown-ish
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
2. Rev. Ralph Abernathy
Civil rights activist & minister, former president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
3. Bobby V.
R&B singer & songwriter, known for hits “Slow Down,” “Tell Me,” and “Anonymous”
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
4. Valeisha Butterfield-Jones
Former VP of Partnerships & Engagement at Google, Inc., former Co-President of The Recording Academy, co-founder of WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network)
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
5. Eva Marcille
Actress & Model, star of BET’s All The Queen’s Men, season 3 winner of America’s Next Top Model
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
6. James Weldon Johnson
Educator, civil rights activist, and songwriter of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
7. Bryan-Michael Cox
Award-winning music producer & songwriter; credits include Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married,” Usher’s “U Got It Bad,” and Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off”
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
8. Bomani Jones
Sports journalist, former ESPN personality, host of The Right Time with Bomani Jones podcast
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
9. DJ Drama
DJ, rapper, record executive and producer, creator of the Gangsta Grillz brand
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
10. Ma$e
Rapper, minister, and host of the It Is What It Is sports podcast
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
11. Jacque Reid
Journalist, radio & TV personality, formerly of BET Nightly News and NBC
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
12. Pinky Cole
Restauranteur, owner/founder of Slutty Vegan restaurants
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
13. Emmanuel Lewis
Actor, best known for lead role in 1980s TV sitcom Webster
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
14. Kenny Leon
TV & Broadway director, producer, and actor, 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Direction of a Play (A Raisin in the Sun)
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
15. Hosea Williams
Civil rights activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, leader in the SCLC and scientist
Always A Panther: Notable Alumni of Clark Atlanta University was originally published on ronemajicatl2.staging.go.ione.nyc
