When Taraji P. Henson was nominated for an Academy Award this year for best supporting actress in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” the celebration rippled beyond Hollywood and into the halls of two historically Black universities. Henson attended North Carolina A&T State University and graduated from Howard University as a theater major in 1995.
Henson is one of dozens of female graduates from historically Black colleges or universities whose names are illuminating marquees all over the country. In films, TV, on Broadway and in community theaters, these grads are not only demonstrating their own talent but are promoting the performing arts programs of their respective institutions.
“Oh my gosh, I directed her in ‘Agamemnon’ … I’ve never seen anybody who could occupy their space the way Taraji could. You knew this girl was going somewhere,” says Mark Jolin, a professor of acting at Howard’s School of Fine Arts.
This year another African-American, Viola Davis, was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress. She did not attend an HBCU but graduated from Rhode Island College. She was nominated for her role in “Doubt” and has had an extensive career in TV and film.
Success on stage and screen is not new for Howard grads like Henson. Among the best known are sisters Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, who have established scholarships at their alma mater for aspiring performers. Both women have won top awards including Rashad’s
