Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black university in Atlanta, Georgia, has produced countless notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. These graduates have left an indelible mark on society through their achievements in academia, business, entertainment, politics, and beyond.
Academic and Intellectual Leaders
1. W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963)
- African American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and author
- Earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clark University
- Founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
2. James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938)
- African American writer, poet, civil rights activist, and NAACP leader
- Graduated from Clark College with a bachelor’s degree
- Wrote the lyrics to the iconic spiritual “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
3. Maysa Akbar (born 1958)
- Educational psychologist and professor at Clark Atlanta University
- Developed the concept of the “Cultural Confluence Model”
- Published numerous books and articles on cultural diversity and psychology
Business and Economic Leaders
4. A.G. Gaston (1901-1996)
- African American entrepreneur and businessman
- Founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the largest Black-owned insurance company in the United States
- Served as president of the National Negro Business League
5. Andrew Young (born 1932)
- American politician, diplomat, and civil rights activist
- Graduated from Clark College with a bachelor’s degree
- Served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of Atlanta
6. Cheryl Mayberry McKissack (born 1963)
- African American engineer and CEO of McKissack & McKissack
- Founded the first minority-owned female engineering firm in the United States
- Received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Entertainment and Cultural Icons
7. Spike Lee (born 1957)
- American filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer
- Graduated from Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in film
- Directed critically acclaimed films such as “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman”
8. Phylicia Rashad (born 1948)
- American actress and singer
- Graduated from Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in theater
- Starred in the sitcom “The Cosby Show” and the Broadway musical “Into the Woods”
9. Samuel L. Jackson (born 1948)
- American actor
- Graduated from Morehouse College and studied theater at Clark College
- Starred in numerous films, including “Pulp Fiction,” “The Avengers,” and “Django Unchained”
Political and Public Service Leaders
10. Vernon Jordan (born 1935)
- American lawyer, civil rights activist, and businessman
- Graduated from Clark College with a law degree
- Served as an advisor to presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama
11. Stacey Abrams (born 1973)
- American politician, author, and voting rights advocate
- Graduated from Spelman College and Yale Law School, but attended Clark Atlanta University as an undergrad
- Served as minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives
12. Keisha Lance Bottoms (born 1970)
- American politician and former mayor of Atlanta
- Graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a master’s degree in public administration
- Led Atlanta through the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 protests
Tables of Clark Atlanta University Alumni
Table 1: Academic and Intellectual Leaders
| Alumni | Contributions |
|---|---|
| W.E.B. Du Bois | Established the NAACP, advocated for civil rights |
| James Weldon Johnson | Poet, author, NAACP leader |
| Maysa Akbar | Developed the Cultural Confluence Model |
Table 2: Business and Economic Leaders
| Alumni | Achievements |
|---|---|
| A.G. Gaston | Founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company |
| Andrew Young | U.S. ambassador, Atlanta mayor |
| Cheryl Mayberry McKissack | Led the first minority-owned female engineering firm |
Table 3: Entertainment and Cultural Icons
| Alumni | Notable Works |
|---|---|
| Spike Lee | Filmmaker, “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X” |
| Phylicia Rashad | Actress, “The Cosby Show,” “Into the Woods” |
| Samuel L. Jackson | Actor, “Pulp Fiction,” “The Avengers” |
Table 4: Political and Public Service Leaders
| Alumni | Service |
|---|---|
| Vernon Jordan | Advisor to presidents, civil rights activist |
| Stacey Abrams | Voting rights advocate, Georgia House of Representatives |
| Keisha Lance Bottoms | Atlanta mayor |
Conclusion
Clark Atlanta University has a rich history of producing distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to society. These graduates have excelled in various fields, from academia to business to entertainment to politics. Their legacies continue to inspire and empower future generations to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
