Homecoming is approaching, and it's evident that the Aggie vs. Bison rivalry is still alive and well.
This past week, House of Payne star Lance Gross posted a picture of him in his Howard cap and gown with the caption, "Howard Daze." His mentions went wild. In a matter of minutes, a well-known Aggie and former 106 & Park host, Terrence J, hopped in with friendly beef and all levels of spice, saying, "Aggie Pride motherf**ker." The battle was on.
To keep the shenanigans going, we're drafting an all-star team of past and present celebrity HBCU students.
Here's our all-star list:
Lance Gross, Howard University
The House of Payne and Our Kind of People star is a proud alum of Howard University. Gross passed on the opportunity to pursue a professional track and field career while at Howard University to focus on acting, and obtained a degree in theater. He has to be the face of the team. I mean, look at that smile.
Terrence J, North Carolina A&T University
Anyone who follows Terrence J knows he is an Aggie through and through. The North Carolina A&T State University graduate landed his gig at BET's 106 & Park only two years after graduating. While at A&T, he became an Omega Psi Phi, as well as a DJ for the school's radio station WNAA and Greensboro's local station 102 Jamz. We're assigning him the role of starter and lead correspondent.
Megan Thee Stallion, Prairie View A&M
Since she was an undergraduate, Megan Thee Stallion has been rapping on the Prairie View A&M campus, and she went viral from her battles with the guys at Prairie View. The Texas native and rap phenom went to both Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University. Anybody who can sing and dance in 6-inch heels and a bodysuit can definitely shoot from half-court.
Metro Boomin, Morehouse College
We've heard mega-producer Metro Boomin, from his work with superstars like Kanye, Future, 21 Savage, Migos and Gucci Mane. Metro left St. Louis to attend Morehouse but pressed pause to focus on his music production, and we're glad he did. Otherwise, we'd be without bangers like "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1," "Jumpman" and "Bad and Boujee."
Chadwick Boseman, Howard University
If for no other reason, Chadwick Boseman is on our team because he's a superhero in every sense of the word. It's no wonder he turned out to be a record-breaking actor when he studied under Phylicia Rashad and graduated with his fine arts degree in directing.
La La Anthony, Howard University
Host, video jockey and commentator La La Anthony learned her gift of communications at Howard University. Her studies helped catapult her career on networks like MTV. Anthony is always fly, and we want her front and center. We're pretty sure she can run with heels on, and if that isn't a sport, we don't know what is. See about her. She's got the grit and swagger we need.
JR Smith, North Carolina A&T University
The LA Lakers all-star just enrolled at NC A&T and joined the golf team, making JR Smith a must-have for our all-star league. From his tweets and updates on his college experience, it sounds like the Aggie team might be winning off Smith's presence on campus alone. We nominate him for coach of the all-stars.
Taraji P. Henson, Howard University
Extra points for Howard. Empire star Taraji P. Henson
graduated from Howard University with a bachelor of fine arts. Not only is she a boss, but she would have to be our manager. She knows how to take charge, all while honoring her mind, body and spirit. The Emmy award-winning actress just launched The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and has been helping people of color on their mental wellness journey.
2 Chainz, Alabama State University
2 Chainz stays ready so he doesn't have to get ready. He's a regular at the gym, and sweat equity is nothing new for the rapper. What many might not know is the Atlanta native not only went to Alabama State University on a basketball scholarship, but he attended both Virginia State and Alabama State University. He gets his points for attending two universities, returning, and not giving up when things were challenging. If that isn't commitment, we don't know what is.
Shaqir O'Neal, Texas Southern University
When you're the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, you're automatically a first-round pick for us. The budding basketball star is a student at Texas Southern University, and he has a promising career ahead. Shaqir has been balling since he could palm a ball, so of course, this legacy gets a spot on our roster.
Hercy Miller, Tennessee State University
Hercy Miller, son of mogul mastermind Master P, says he's "war ready," and that's exactly what we need on the squad. Since Hercy announced his decision to play basketball at the HBCU Tennessee State University, he's been practicing his game technique on the court, and it was a no-brainer to put Hercy on the squad.
Brian Tyree Henry, Morehouse College
Atlanta star Brian Tyree Henry is a Morehouse grad, and with a business degree. Henry has worked his way up from his college dorm to debut in our favorite action and suspense films and TV shows like Black Mirror, Eternals and Bullet Train. We'd have him using his business degree and handling the team's money, for sure.
Kahlana Barfield Brown, Howard University
Take a moment to peep at the footwear. Kahlana Barfield Brown is a fashion influencer and trailblazer in the world of fashion and beauty publishing. As InStyle's fashion and beauty editor-at-large, Brown is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a graduate of Howard University. Can you imagine if she designed our jerseys? We're in good hands with all things apparel.
Wale, Bowie State University
Wale's got flavor and style, and he's light on his feet. We're making Wale the mascot. Before he was creating music with Miguel, Rihanna, Drake and Jazmine Sullivan, Wale was about his books and running on the college football field. As a native of the DMV area, Wale went to both Virginia State University on a football scholarship and Bowie State University. He's a surefire recruit for us.
