In a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, Atlanta’s own Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are stealing the spotlight on EBONY magazine’s landmark October cover, “Styling The Yard.
The issue, a powerhouse collaboration between the iconic EBONY Media Group—marking 80 years of cultural storytelling—and the trailblazing beauty brand Mielle, honors the entrepreneurial spirit and textured hair innovation thriving right here in the Peach State’s HBCU heartland.
As home to the Atlanta University Center (AUC)—the world’s largest consortium of HBCUs, including Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University—this cover couldn’t feel more local.
Three standout student stylists from these Atlanta institutions are among the eight featured hair ambassadors, showcasing the city’s deep-rooted legacy in nurturing Black creativity, leadership, and style.
Atlanta AUC Students Take Center Stage for Ebony + Mielle
Leading the charge are Taylor Mills, Miss Spelman College, known for her signature protective styles that blend cultural heritage with modern flair; Ivan Walker from Morehouse College, a rising barber whose precision cuts are turning heads on campus and beyond; and Wynter Clemons from Clark Atlanta University, whose bold color experiments and curl consultations are empowering her peers to embrace their natural textures.
“The EBONY and Mielle partnership is a special one to us as it not only celebrates the legacy of where we have come from, but it also highlights the continuing relevance of supporting our future style icons and changemakers,” said Eden Bridgeman, CEO of EBONY. “EBONY looks forward to partnering with Mielle as it continues to define what it means to celebrate our culture across a myriad of hair textures, hues, and cultural perspectives. We are proud to provide the platform for this moment.”
Timed to the cover, Mielle launches the MiCurl Out Homecoming Tour in October 2025 as a multi-campus, culture-first celebration that centers textured hair, builds authentic student connections, and amplifies the joy of HBCU homecoming season.
“Pouring into HBCUs and the next generation of stylists isn’t just business—it’s personal,” said Omar Goff, President of Mielle. “As a proud Florida A&M graduate, I know how HBCUs nurture creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit. We celebrate EBONY’s spotlight on dorm room stylists and honor students already leading with hustle and vision.”
Final Word
We appreciate Ebony for highlighting Atlanta’s brightest. At Mielle, students can take advantage of products, resources, and education to help them thrive because we know the next wave of beauty innovators is already on campus.
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