This Homecoming season, Urban One, the largest distributor of urban content and AT&T* will celebrate the myriad achievements of three Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students as leaders and entrepreneurs who are blazing trails and creating new pathways for their peers and the next generation.
Urban One and One Solution announce the launch of the “AT&T Dream In Black: Rising Future Makers” HBCU series – a custom content piece hosted by Charlamagne Tha God, Reginae Carter and Romeo Miller as they interview and highlight the accomplishments of three current students. And, in surprising, heartfelt moments, supports them in their ventures with a $5,000 check from AT&T.
The three-part weekly series, which runs across TV One and iOne Digital, features Raymond Graham of Prairie View A&M University, Joshua Hughes of Howard University, and Zoe Mitchell of Florida A&M University journey through their collegiate and entrepreneurial experience.
“Throughout the years of recruiting, hiring, and working with universities across the nation, we know first-hand how HBCUs are building and shaping the next generation of Future Makers,” said Angela Burgin, Director of Marketing and Special Experiences, AT&T. “Through this program we get to celebrate 25 outstanding individuals, along with sharing their stories as they endeavor to make a difference in their communities.”
“Urban One is excited to partner again with AT&T for their HBCU initiative entitled AT&T Dream In Black Rising Future Makers,” noted Jeff Meza, SVP, Head of One Solution. “AT&T’s continued commitment to provide a platform for Black voices and stories speaks volumes about their commitment to the Black community at large. Their investment in Black-owned companies like Urban One is vital to our long term viability. We look forward to amplifying this message well beyond the HBCU homecoming season.”
“The importance of this program is to inspire! What AT&T is doing is very much needed. I feel a lot of kids in the world have to know that it’s okay to be themselves, it’s okay to go after their dreams, it’s okay to Dream In Black. If you know anything about my family, The Miller Gang, from my pops Master P to my brother Hercy Miller deciding to go to Tennessee State down in Nashville we’re all about putting that spotlight on HBCUs and their students. It’s only the beginning,” said Romeo Miller.
AT&T Dream In Black: Rising Future Makers is a multi-platform series consisting of the content streaming channel on MadameNoire where consumers can view the videos. Additional profiles and interviews with the Rising Stars will be featured in promotional spots to run across the Radio One network of stations, and online on MadameNoire and Bossip.MadameNoire. All HBCU students can also apply or be nominated for the chance to become an AT&T Dream In Black Rising Future Maker. 25 winners will win $5,000 to pursue their dream, celebrity advocacy and more. Learn more at att.com/dreaminblack .
Meet the AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers:
RAYMOND GRAHAM
Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View TX
Raymond grew up in a rough part of Long Beach, CA, in his grandmother’s house. The house was known in the neighborhood as a place to buy drugs.. At seven years old, his mother was killed in front of him and his siblings. Although he spent most of high school bouncing from house to house, he maintained a 3.0 GPA. He is the first one in his family to graduate high school and attend college. The Black Lives Matter movement shaped his desire to attend an HBCU. He considers his new HBCU family as his new chosen family. He feels he has found the love and support he never had growing up. He is currently studying real estate and wants to share his story with the next generation.
JOSHUA HUGHES
Howard University, Washington DC
Growing up, Joshua’s parents always stressed the importance of education – a value he adopted in his own life. He received acceptance letters to 50 schools but was passionate about attending an HBCU. Joshua believes that Black people of his generation are becoming more accepting of their blackness; not as willing to switch their blackness on and off. During the pandemic, the loss of connection to others caused him to battle with anxiety causing a very painful skin condition. Being on campus at HBCU helps with his anxiety. He feels like the staff and students really care. Joshua wants to become a teacher to inspire the next generation.
ZOE MITCHELL
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Zoe is a fourth generation Florida A&M University (FAMU) student. It was never a question of if she would be attending an HBCU – just which one. She grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood which had a negative impact on her self image and self esteem. She never felt proud to be Black until she got to FAMU. After a picture of her in her FAMU cheerleading uniform went viral, she realized that beauty is beyond skin deep; that girls of every complexion are beautiful. In Zoe’s first year at college she pledged Delta Sigma Theta.
