Hosts of the "BET '106 & Park' Show" who obtained their degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Who still remembers the legendary music show, 106 & Park on BET? This year, the iconic program will be celebrated during the BET Awards next month, marking both the show's 25th anniversary and an homage to its timeless legacy. The duos of AJ and Free, and Terrence J and Rocsi graced the screens of many fans over the years. And guess what? More than a few of these beloved 106 & Park hosts have attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)! Here's a lowdown on the HBCU-attending hosts of 106 & Park.
AJ Calloway
The original host of 106 & Park, AJ Calloway, donned the proud letterman of Howard University. His collegiate days were filled with contribution, as he even founded a promotion company that organized some of Howard's most legendary homecoming events. After earning his degree, he embarked on a successful career in marketing and promotions in New York City, eventually establishing Black Diamonds Entertainment - a club management, promotions, and marketing firm that thrived in the African-American after-work and nightlife scene for over a decade.
During his time at Howard University, he became a member of the Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Calloway graduated from Howard in 1997 and took on the hosting reigns of 106 & Park three years later. Since then, he's maintained a strong tie with Howard, often returning to teach a graduate course on the interplay between Hip Hop culture and public history. This was Howard's inaugural course of its kind.
Terrence J
Terrence Jenkins, renowned as Terrence J, is a proud alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University. While studying, he served as Student Government Association president and was a spring 2004 initiate of the Mu Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He obtained a degree in mass communication in 2004. Before making his mark on 106 & Park, he worked in the diversity office of NASCAR in Daytona Beach.
Terrence J joined forces with Rocsi Diaz to win the BET New Faces Contest in 2006, after which they took over as the new hosts of 106 & Park. They held these roles for six years before leaving the show in 2012. Since then, he's built a successful career in movies and hosting, having starred in films like Stomp the Yard: Homecoming, Burlesque, and the Think Like a Man franchise. He's also hosted various BET events like the BET Award red carpet and BET Awards Afterparty[2].
Back in 2023, Terrence J reflected on the impact that NC A&T had on him.
"One school took a chance on me, and once I arrived, I started off on academic probation," he said. "But over time, I met people that changed my life. I met deans that inspired me and met other students that influenced me. I joined a fraternity that completely changed my perspective and instilled valuable morals in me. By the time I graduated, I was on the dean's list and had been elected student body president. I made all these different changes in my life, but it was because an HBCU took a chance on me. HBCUs have been doing that for over 100 years for countless African American people."
Miss Mykie
Mykel Gray, greeted as Miss Mykie, served as a host for 106 & Park from 2012 to 2013. Gray is a graduate of Howard University, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting in 2007. While at Howard, she became a member of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and joined the Ooh La La Dance Line. Despite academic success, Gray faced difficulties during college. During her freshman year, her brother was tragically killed just before his 23rd birthday.
Following graduation, she taught theater arts at the Gregory-Lincoln Education Center in Houston until 2012. With a passion for music, Gray set her sights on a career in music, acting, and television hosting. Gray joined 106 & Park in October 2012, but parted ways with the show midway through May 2013 alongside Shorty da Prince[3].
After leaving the show, she moved on to host the first-ever Instagram show, The Tea.
Rocsi Diaz
The other half of the iconic Terrence & Rocsi duo is an alumna of Bowie State University. Diaz's educational journey took a slightly different path than her 106 & Park compatriots, as she enrolled in Bowie State after leaving the show.
Back in 2023, Diaz shared her reasons for returning to school after initially dropping out. In addition to making her mom proud, Diaz aimed to inspire other adults to pursue further education[4]. She also appeared on the show HBCU 101, hosted by Virginia State University alum Jahliel Thurman, discussing why she chose Bowie State and her experiences as a college dropout.
"Well, first and foremost, one of the biggest deciding factors for me for Bowie State was that it had an amazing online course. At the time, most colleges and most universities weren't able to provide the extensive online courses I needed to finish my degree. Now, I'm finishing my degree online."
Diaz was selected as the host of 106 & Park alongside Terrence J in 2006. After leaving the show in 2012, she joined Entertainment Tonight as a daily correspondent and weekend co-host. She's hosted numerous other shows, such as Dating Naked and Alter Ego. Diaz is currently the co-host alongside NFL superstar Deion Sanders on the Tubi talk show, We Got Time Today.
[1]. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated: http://www.opsi1911.org/[2]. BET: https://www.bet.com/[3]. Howard University: https://www.howard.edu/[4]. Bowie State University: https://www.bowiestate.edu/
AJ Calloway and Terrence J, former hosts of 106 & Park, pursued education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). AJ Calloway graduated from Howard University, where he also joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Terrence J attended North Carolina A&T State University and became a member of the Mu Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Education and self-development played a significant role in their lives, shaping their future careers in entertainment and public service.
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