Luke Lawal, Jr.

Marketing Executive

Los Angeles, California, United StatesExecutive5-10 years

Open to New Opportunities

About

I’m Luke Lawal Jr., the founder and CEO of HBCU Buzz, and my journey is deeply rooted in my love for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Growing up, I always knew the power of HBCUs, but during my time at Bowie State University, I realized something was missing—our positive stories weren’t being told on a major scale. While at Bowie State, I saw firsthand the achievements, culture, and impact of HBCU students, but mainstream media wasn’t giving us the recognition we deserved. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. In 2011, while still in college, in my dormroom, I launched HBCU Buzz —a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of HBCU students, alumni, and culture. At first, it was just an idea—a way to highlight the incredible things happening at HBCUs. But soon, I realized this was bigger than me. The community needed a space to see itself represented, to celebrate our successes, and to have a voice in conversations that affected us. I built HBCU Buzz to fill that gap. Over the years, the platform grew beyond what I ever imagined. We’ve worked with major brands like Nike, BET, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, creating partnerships that bridge the gap between HBCUs and corporate America. We’ve provided opportunities for students, created a space for Black excellence to thrive, and most importantly, we’ve shown the world why HBCUs matter. But my journey didn’t stop there. Beyond HBCU Buzz, I’ve worked to expand my impact through branding, marketing, and mentorship. I believe in uplifting young Black professionals and ensuring that the next generation has the tools to succeed. Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve built. HBCU Buzz started as a simple idea, but it became a movement. My mission has always been to make sure that HBCU students and alumni know their worth, their power, and their influence. And as long as I can, I’ll continue telling our stories and creating opportunities for our community.

Brands

Universal

Peacock

Tampax

Pepsi

Starz!

UNCF

Amazon

McDonald's

Walmart

TBS