Not every black person makes it to college, and among those that do, not everyone graduates. But for the ones who go on to get that important credential, representing for their alma mater can become a big part of their lives. And there’s no better time to rep for your school than during college football and basketball seasons, when it seems like everyone becomes a fan.
But for many black celebrities, every day’s a pep rally in support of their campus of choice. We’ve gathered a list of the most fervent boosters among the throng.
While the folks on our roster didn’t have the best luck with the NCAA tournament, they’re all very proud college graduates can’t tell people enough how much they loved their college or university.
BILL COSBY
Temple University
If you’ve heard of Bill Cosby, you’ve heard of his alma mater, Temple University. He takes every opportunity to publicize his school and support its sports programs. He’s as familiar to Temple and its students and alumni as its logo. Like Spike Lee and his beloved Knicks, Cosby is a staunch supporter of Temple men’s basketball. You’re likely to see him sporting Temple gear on any occasion where he doesn’t have to be formal. But Cosby and his wife saved their biggest philanthropic efforts for Spelman College, donating a million dollars to the school. Still, we’re sure Temple appreciates the free publicity Cosby generates for them.
BORIS KODJOE
Virginia Commonwealth University
Kodjoe, a native of Germany, attended VCU on a tennis scholarship. He was a proud supporter of the Rams men’s basketball team, who made it to the NCAA Final Four this year before being eclipsed by Butler University. Kodjoe says that the experience of going to college in America helped him expand his horizons and ultimately create a lucrative career in the U.S. And coming to America brought him to “Soul Food,” which brought him to his wife, Nicole Ari Parker-Kodjoe. You can’t say VCU made it all happen – or can you?
LANCE GROSS
Howard University
Gross graduated from HU with a theater degree, ultimately becoming one of Hollywood’s most promising young acting talents. The 29-year-old actor, best known for “House of Payne,” has also starred in major movies like “Our Family Wedding.” As a working actor, Howard provided Gross with a link to other famous alumni, like Phylicia Rashad, Taraji P. Henson and Debbie Allen.
WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON
Howard University
As agent/momager Tasha Mack, Robinson plays the most charismatic character on the popular BET show, “The Game.” While Mack may not have had the same opportunity to go to college, Robinson has made the most out of her drama degree. The 40-something actress has been working steadily in films and on TV since her debut on “Martin” in 1993. We’re sure that Robinson gives credit to her Howard experience for helping her hone her talent. Now that she’s on BET, she has plenty of alumni for company, as many of BET’s behind-the-scenes staff are also Howard grads.
SPIKE LEE
Morehouse College
Like Bill Cosby before him, Lee brings a great deal of free publicity and recruiting assistance to his former college. The 54-year-old actor and award-winning director went on to get a master’s in film from New York University to add to his bachelor’s in mass communication from Morehouse, but you rarely ever hear him talking about NYU. He’s been quoted many, many times as representing Morehouse, and his 1998 film “School Daze” was largely based on his experiences attending an HBCU. Morehouse may enjoy their association with him now, but back then, he was asked to stop filming at the school …
DAVID BANNER
Southern University
A college education is not usually the first thing on an aspiring rapper’s mind, but there are a few who have completed their educations. Among them is David Banner, who graduated from Southern University. Banner, a Mississippi native, likely attended Southern because his mother also graduated from the school. His college degree may have helped him become one of the few rappers who’ve ever testified in front of Congress at a hearing on African-American media stereotypes. While Banner acknowledged some of the issues in the music, he said that hip-hop’s anger and pain were but a reflection of the greater society.
J. COLE
St. John’s University
Hip-hop newcomer Jeremiah “J.” Cole is another rap star who’s received a college degree, graduating magna cum laude from St. John’s University in New York City. Not only did he graduate while pursuing his music career, but he attended the prestigious university on an academic scholarship. Also impressive is Cole becoming one of Jay-Z’s first signings to his Roc Nation label. That minor in business will definitely come in handy as he continues in the music industry, and St. John’s isn’t mad that Cole has mentioned his alma mater in several interviews.
LUDACRIS
Georgia State University
Bet you didn’t know that Luda graduated with a business degree from Georgia State. (Maybe the wrong Southern rapper is on “Celebrity Apprentice” this year.) The fact that Luda holds a degree was certainly a surprise to a writer at Fast Company magazine, who apparently found it hard to believe that a man who could rhyme about sexual fantasies could also be a college graduate. If anyone is the poster guy for a college education, it’s Luda, who always seems to have a few hustles going at the same time. Guess it always helps to have a Plan A and B.
