In case you missed it, costume designer Ruth E. Carter just became the first Black woman to win two Oscars! It’s no surprise that the first Black woman to accomplish such an honor is an HBCU graduate and an alumna of the highly acclaimed Hampton University. Watch her inspiring acceptance speech here.
What an Achievement
The designer, who graduated from Hampton University in 1982, won the Best Costume Design award at the 95th Academy Awards for the Marvel sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This was the second time Carter won in this category; the first time was in 2018 for the original “Black Panther” movie. In addition to her groundbreaking work in costume design, Carter's success is a testament to the power of historically Black colleges and universities like Hampton, which has educated and empowered Black Americans for over a century.
Ruth E. Carter's early life played an important role in shaping her career and achievements. She was born on April 10, 1960, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in a single-parent household. Carter attended Hampton University, where she studied theater and received her Bachelor of Arts degree. After starting to pursue a career as an actress, Carter discovered her passion for costume design, and she began her career in the field shortly after graduating. Carter's early life experiences and education instilled in her a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed, which undoubtedly contributed to her success as a costume designer and her historic achievement as the first Black woman to win two Oscars.
If you're a fan of Ruth E. Carter and her incredible work, you know that her career as a Hollywood costume designer started with Spike Lee’s 1988 film, School Daze. Since then, Carter has designed costumes for over 70 projects including iconic projects like How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Chi-Raq (2015) and Coming 2 America (2021).
Hampton University Joins the HBCU Leggings Store
We’ve got great news for you Hampton University fans and alumni. HBCU Leggings is proud to announce that Hampton University is our newest licensing partner. You'll love the stylish and comfortable HBCU leggings that celebrate the legacy of such an important institution. HBCU leggings now represent eight different HBCUs, so you can find the perfect pair to show off your school spirit or gift them to your favorite HBCU graduate.
Hampton University has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1868. Originally established as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, it was one of the first schools in the country to provide education and training for formerly enslaved individuals. Over the years, Hampton has continued to provide an exceptional education to students of all races and backgrounds, with a curriculum that emphasizes community service, leadership, and cultural awareness.
Ruth E. Carter is just one of many accomplished Hampton graduates who is making their mark on the world. Her success in Hollywood is a testament to the power of education and perseverance, and it's a shining example of what HBCUs can do for their students.
HBCU Education: a Key to Success
HBCUs have long played a crucial role in providing access to higher education for Black Americans. Historically, HBCUs were founded to provide education and training for formerly enslaved individuals who had been denied access to formal education. Today, these institutions continue to provide an exceptional education to students of all races and backgrounds, with a focus on community service, leadership, and cultural awareness.
HBCUs like Hampton University have produced countless successful graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, including politics, entertainment, sports, and more. These institutions have a strong tradition of nurturing and empowering students, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Supporting HBCUs with HBCU Leggings
One way to show your support for HBCUs and the incredible achievements of people like Ruth E. Carter is shopping for HBCU leggings where we donate a portion of the proceeds from each sale directly to HBCUs. This helps to fund scholarships, programs, and other initiatives that benefit students and their communities. By wearing HBCU leggings, you not only show your pride in your HBCU, but you're also making a difference in the lives of current and future students.
As Ruth E. Carter has shown, education is key to success, and HBCUs provide a unique and valuable opportunity for students to receive an exceptional education and be part of a supportive community. By supporting HBCUs through initiatives like HBCU Leggings, we can help ensure that these institutions continue to thrive and provide access to education for generations to come.
So, whether you're a proud HBCU graduate, a student, or simply a fan of great leggings, consider showing your support for HBCUs and the legacy of Ruth E. Carter by shopping for HBCU leggings today. With a variety of stylish designs available, you can find the perfect pair to show off your school spirit and look and feel great at the same time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.