Howard University, a prestigious historically black university (HBCU) founded in 1867 in Washington, District of Columbia, boasts an impressive roster of Howard University notable alumni who have shaped history across politics, entertainment, sports, business, and beyond. As one of the top producers of African American professionals, Howard's graduates exemplify excellence and resilience, often breaking barriers in fields dominated by limited representation. This legacy inspires current students, faculty, and job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education or beyond, highlighting the power of its rigorous academics and vibrant community.
The impact of notable alumni from Howard University is profound. In politics, Vice President Kamala Harris (JD 1989) became the first woman, first Black American, and first Asian American to hold the office, crediting Howard for shaping her leadership. Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, earned his law degree here in 1933 and argued landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education. Other influential leaders include Governor L. Douglas Wilder (first elected African American governor in the U.S.) and Congressman Gregory Meeks. These figures underscore Howard's role in civil rights and public service, with alumni holding key positions in government and advocacy.
Entertainment shines with famous graduates of Howard University like actress Phylicia Rashad (BA 1974, known for The Cosby Show), Chadwick Boseman (BA 2000, star of Black Panther), and comedian Marlon Wayans. In sports, alumni include trailblazers like Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the U.S. Army's first Black general. Business and science notables, such as inventor George Edward Alcorn Jr. (PhD), contribute to innovations and entrepreneurship. EduRank lists over 100 verified alumni, spanning Nobel pursuits (though none confirmed winners yet) and influential leaders driving change.
Unique aspects include Howard's location in the heart of Washington, D.C., offering unparalleled access to federal internships and policy networks—ideal for aspiring professionals. For job seekers, this translates to strong alumni connections via the official Howard University Alumni Relations site. Explore detailed breakdowns like politics or entertainment figures below. Considering Howard? Check Rate My Professor reviews for faculty insights, browse Academic Jobs in Washington, or search higher ed jobs to launch your career amid such inspiring paths. The implications are clear: Howard equips graduates for global impact, fostering networks that propel success in competitive fields.
With thousands of alumni worldwide, Howard's network supports everything from crafting academic CVs to leadership roles, making it a beacon for diverse talent.
Discovering the remarkable successes of notable alumni from Howard University can ignite ambition for students, faculty, and job seekers eyeing this historic HBCU (Historically Black College or University) in Washington, District of Columbia. These star ratings evaluate alumni impact across key categories, based on verified achievements from trusted sources like Howard's official site and US News rankings. Ratings reflect global influence, innovation, and societal contributions (out of 10 stars), drawing from famous graduates who've shaped politics, entertainment, and more. Use these insights to draw inspiration—network via the alumni association, pursue internships in D.C., and check Rate My Professor for Howard faculty insights to emulate their paths.
These ratings inspire because Howard fosters resilience amid challenges, producing influential leaders who've broken barriers. Advice: Aspiring Bison, join alumni events at Howard's Alumni page, seek higher ed jobs in D.C. via Academic Jobs in Washington, and read how to write a winning academic CV to follow suit. For job seekers, Howard's network opens doors in government and media—rate professors at Rate My Professor and explore scholarships. With such Howard University celebrities and breakthroughs, your future could be stellar too. (Word count: 428)
Howard University boasts distinguished alumni in acting, music, and composition who have shaped American entertainment with groundbreaking performances, chart-topping hits, and influential compositions that resonate globally and highlight Black excellence in the arts. These figures, spanning Actors, Musicians, and Composers, have earned awards, starred in iconic productions, and advanced cultural representation without sub-section divisions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debbie Allen | Actress, Choreographer, Director | Classical Greek Literature, Theater, Dance | 1971 | Emmy and Golden Globe winner famous for her role in Fame, directing Grey's Anatomy, and choreography for numerous high-profile productions. |
| Phylicia Rashad | Actress | Dramatic Arts | 1970 | Emmy Award-winning actress best known for portraying Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show and her Tony Award-winning Broadway performance in A Raisin in the Sun. |
| Buck Hill | Jazz Saxophonist | unknown |
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| unknown |
| Tenor saxophonist known for his work with the Buck Hill Quartet and collaborations with Shirley Horn. |
| Gil Askey | Composer, Arranger | Music | unknown | Trumpeter and composer who arranged for Motown artists like The Supremes and worked with Michael Jackson. |
| Billy Eckstine | Singer, Bandleader | unknown | unknown | Jazz and big band singer who popularized the baritone style with hits like 'My Foolish Heart' and led influential bebop orchestras. |
| Lena Horne | Singer, Actress | unknown | unknown | Legendary singer and actress who broke barriers in Hollywood with Stormy Weather and her one-woman Broadway show. |
| Roscoe Lee Browne | Actor, Director, Writer | Comparative Literature | unknown | Emmy-nominated actor and director known for narrating The Civil War documentary series and roles in The Cowboys and Logan. |
| Toni Braxton | Singer | unknown | unknown | Grammy-winning R&B singer famous for 'Un-Break My Heart' and multiple multi-platinum albums. |
| Doug E. Fresh | Rapper, Beatboxer | unknown | unknown | Pioneering hip-hop artist dubbed 'The Human Beat Box' for hits like 'The Show' and 'La Di Da Di' with Slick Rick. |
| Gary Dourdan | Actor | unknown | unknown | Actor best remembered for playing Warrick Brown on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation across nine seasons. |
| Anna Maria Horsford | Actress | unknown | 1971 | Veteran actress known for roles in Amen, The Colored Museum, and Halloween Kills, with extensive work in film and TV comedy. |
| Sheryl Lee Ralph | Actress, Singer | Fashion Merchandising | unknown | Emmy-winning actress recognized for Dreamgirls on Broadway and Abbott Elementary, with a trailblazing career in stage and television. |
| Taraji P. Henson | Actress | Theater Arts | unknown | Oscar-nominated actress acclaimed for roles in Hidden Figures, Empire, and The Color Purple, advocating for mental health and women's rights. |
| Sinbad | Comedian, Actor | Business Administration | 1977 | Stand-up comedian and actor starring in films like Jingle All the Way and Houseguest, with a successful career in family-friendly comedy. |
| Roberta Flack | Singer, Musician | Music | 1958 | Grammy-winning artist known for hits like 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly with His Song,' blending jazz, soul, and folk. |
Athletes. Howard University alumni have excelled in professional sports, particularly American football in the NFL and basketball, demonstrating the Bison's legacy of developing top talent that influences professional leagues and inspires future generations through athletic excellence and leadership.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mamie Johnson | Negro Leagues Pitcher | Nursing | 1961 | One of the first three women to play professional baseball in the Negro leagues with the Indianapolis Clowns, later becoming a nurse. |
| Ron Saunders | ABA Basketball Player | unknown | Professional basketball player in the American Basketball Association after starring for Howard. | |
| Billy Rayner | NFL Defensive Back | 1962 | NFL defensive back for the Baltimore Colts, contributing to championship teams in the early 1960s. | |
| Leonard Lyles | NFL Defensive Back | 1954 | NFL defensive back who played 11 seasons mostly with the Baltimore Colts, earning three Pro Bowl nods. | |
| Joe Gilliam | NFL Quarterback | 1969-1972 | Pioneering NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, notable as one of the first Black starting quarterbacks in modern NFL history. | |
| Kenny Burrough | NFL Wide Receiver | 1966-1969 | NFL wide receiver who played for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders, earning Pro Bowl honors during his career. | |
| Brian Allen | NFL Offensive Lineman | Broadcast Management | 2018 | NFL offensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft after starring at Howard. |
| Drew Hill | NFL Wide Receiver | 1974-1977 | Accomplished NFL wide receiver primarily with the Houston Oilers, known for his speed and three Pro Bowl selections. |
Howard University boasts a rich legacy of political alumni primarily in U.S. politics, with leaders in Congress, the judiciary, and executive roles, alongside select international figures; these graduates have shaped civil rights, policy, and governance through landmark achievements and public service.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte E. Ray | Attorney | Law | 1872 | First African American woman to graduate from law school and admitted to the D.C. bar. |
| Donna Edwards | U.S. Representative from Maryland | Law | 1989 | First African American woman elected to Congress from Maryland, serving 2008-2017. |
| Stacey Plaskett | Delegate to the U.S. House from U.S. Virgin Islands | Law | 1989 | Non-voting delegate representing the U.S. Virgin Islands since 2015. |
| Marion Barry | Mayor of Washington, D.C. | unknown | Four-term mayor of D.C. and prominent civil rights activist who attended Howard University. | |
| Alcee Hastings | U.S. Representative from Florida | Law | unknown | Former federal judge and long-serving Congressman who attended Howard University School of Law. |
| Corrine Brown | U.S. Representative from Florida | Law | 1971 | Served in U.S. Congress from 1993 to 2017 representing Florida's 3rd and 5th districts. |
| Kurt Schmoke | Mayor of Baltimore | Law | 1976 | First elected African American mayor of Baltimore and later president of Howard University. |
| Vernon Jordan | Civil Rights Leader and Political Advisor | Law | 1960 | Prominent civil rights attorney and advisor to President Bill Clinton. |
| David Dinkins | Mayor of New York City | Mathematics | 1956 | First African American Mayor of New York City, serving from 1990 to 1993. |
| Andrew Young | U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations | Biology | 1951 | Civil rights activist, U.S. Congressman, UN Ambassador under Carter, and Mayor of Atlanta. |
| Elijah Cummings | U.S. Representative from Maryland | Law | 1976 | Influential congressman and chair of the House Oversight Committee known for advocacy on civil rights and government accountability. |
| Thurgood Marshall | Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court | Law | 1933 | First African American Supreme Court Justice who successfully argued Brown v. Board of Education, advancing civil rights. |
| Kamala Harris | Vice President of the United States | Political Science and Economics | 1986 | Historic figure as the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President, previously serving as U.S. Senator from California and Attorney General. |
Howard University alumni include notable millionaires and billionaires who have excelled in media, entertainment, and real estate, driving economic empowerment and innovation within and beyond the African American community.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert L. Johnson | Founder of BET Networks | Business Administration | 1967 | First African American billionaire, founded Black Entertainment Television (BET), revolutionizing Black media and selling it to Viacom for over $3 billion. |
| Cathy Hughes | Founder and Chairperson of Urban One | unknown | Pioneering media entrepreneur who built Urban One into the largest African-American owned media company, with a net worth exceeding $400 million. | |
| Don Peebles | Chairman and CEO of The Peebles Corporation | Architecture | 1977 | Prominent real estate developer known for major projects in Miami and Washington D.C., amassing a fortune estimated in the billions. |
Howard University has produced distinguished alumni whose groundbreaking contributions in literature have earned them the prestigious Nobel Prize, significantly influencing global discourse on social issues and cultural narratives. These laureates exemplify the university's commitment to excellence in humanities and social impact.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toni Morrison | Novelist and Nobel Laureate | English | 1953 | Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 for her profound narrative art which illuminates the Black experience in America; influential author of novels like Beloved and Pulitzer Prize winner. |
