Washington, DC (host city) rolled out the black excellence blue carpet for its 2nd annual HBCU Honor. Procter and Gamble hosted the star-studded event at the iconic Cramton Auditorium of Howard University on November 14th. This event celebrates the talent and influence of HBCUs, showcasing the undeniable presence of exceptional individuals within these institutions. Comedian, actress, and Fisk graduate, Kim Whitley, was this year’s host.
The Cleveland native conveyed her enthusiasm for hosting the event, stating, “Hosting HBCU Honors is truly a privilege,” she said in a press release.
“I am deeply grateful for my experiences at Fisk University. HBCUs equipped me with the necessary tools for success, and it is a privilege to be on that stage, honoring the remarkable individuals who are shaping history today. This event celebrates Black excellence, and I am excited to be involved,” she added.
BLUE CARPET AFFAIR
The Blue-Carpet hosts featured ‘DMV’ radio personalities Joe Clair and Autumn Joi. Clair, a former host of BET Rap City and alum of Morgan State, graced the blue carpet with his unique, fun-loving personality. Meanwhile, the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore graduate and host of Midday on WLIT 106 and The Autumn Joi Live Show captivated the honorees and guests on the blue carpet with her vibrant style.
L-R: R&B Singer, Raheem DeVaughn joins Joe Clair and Autumn Joi on the Red Carpet, and Baltimore Mayor, Brandon Scott and his wife, Hanna Pugh all smiles; Photo Credit: Crank Media
TRIBUTE AND PERFORMANCES
The event features a remarkable evening filled with outstanding performances and heartfelt tributes, beginning with an electrifying performance from the famous DC Go-Go band, Be’la Dona.
Other featured artists included Grammy Award-winning talents like Fantasia, Hezekiah Walker, The Voice’s Mac Royals, J. Ivy, MC Lyte, the Virginia Union Mass Choir, and a family performance by Erica Campbell and her daughter, Spelman student Krista Campbell.
The event paid tribute to Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Florida A&M alumnus Will Packer. He shared a touching family moment with his children, Nija and Zion Packer (North Carolina A&T student), as they joined in on the celebration.
In a press release, Packer reflects on his honor of upholding his legacy while reminiscing about his experience at FAM-U.
“HBCUs have served as the foundation of Black achievement for generations. My experience at Florida A&M University significantly influenced my development as both a filmmaker and an individual. Being recognized by a platform that honors that legacy holds great significance for me. I take great pride in being involved in this event that celebrates Black narratives and achievements,” he stated.
HBCU EXCELLENCE WORLDWIDE
HBCUs birth not only successful entertainment giants like Will Packer and Oprah (last year’s honoree) but also footprint their legacy in various professions globally.
Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a former NASA engineer, earned recognition for his groundbreaking contributions to science and engineering. People widely recognized the Tuskegee alum for inventing the Super Soaker and his significant contributions to space exploration, paving the way for future Black scientists.
Jewel Burks Solomon, a Howard alum, received recognition for her exceptional leadership in tech entrepreneurship and her significant contributions at Collab Capital, where she has created opportunities and connected diverse founders with the funding they need to succeed.
This year’s HBCU Rising Star, Imani-Grace Cooper, is on the path of following in the footsteps of these legends who paved the way in their respective fields. Cooper, a 2016 Howard graduate, is a vocalist, composer, and founder of Sankofa Music Café in Washington, DC.
OTHER HBCU PRESENTATION HONORS
A remarkable array of presentations showcased a long line of accomplishments in the corporate business world. Some of the award presenters included Raheem Devaughn (R&B singer), Chris Paul (NBA player), Dr. Glenda Glover (Vice Chair of the White House HBCU Initiative), and Monique Rodriguez (Founder and President of Mielle), who honored the Hampton University Women’s Basketball Team with a special presentation celebrating their significant accomplishments.
Additionally, Florida A&M alum Marcos Purty, Vice President of Global Quality, Supplier Quality, and Operational Excellence at General Motors, celebrated this year’s honorees.
The special segments throughout the show featured key spotlight video tributes honoring visionary Broccoli City Founders Brandon McEachern (NC Central alum) and Marcus Allen (NC A&T alum); Tanya Lombard (Xavier University), AT&T Vice President of Global Public and External Affairs; and Carmen Brown (Spelman College), Director of Global Media Foundation and Consumer Marketing at Meta.
Representatives from Google, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and JP Morgan have presented scholarship awards to the younger generation, exemplifying the enduring legacy of HBCUs in the corporate world and paving the way for their advancement after graduation.
DIVINE 9 TRIBUTE
The HBCU Honors would be incomplete without recognizing Divine 9, Black Greek sororities and fraternities. Divine 9 truly represents HBCU campuses, nationwide. Members from every Black Greek-letter organization participated in a unified tribute to their legacy and influence. Grammy Award-winning acts like spoken word artist J Ivy delivered a remarkable performance honoring the Divine Nine with a compelling poetic piece, complemented by the soulful vocals of Tarrey Torae.
BEHIND THE SCENES VISION
A special shout-out to the talented creative team for making this event special. Executive producers Malik Buie, Michelle M. Bailey, Michele Ghee, Dorinda Walker, Cameka Smith, Jeron Smith, and Aloni Ford, and showrunner Rick Grimes are at the helm of the production, with Shawn Williams taking on the role of music director. Red Summer TV, known for its exceptional live events that engage audiences, managed the production.
Michelle M. Bailey, the founder and executive producer of this event and a proud Spelman College alumna, is mainly responsible for its success. She expressed her insights regarding the show’s importance.
“HBCUs serve as the foundation of Black excellence, cultivating leaders who drive change, enrich our culture, and leave a profound legacy,” she reflected.
In press release, Bailey shared that the honorees exemplify the core values of HBCU Honors: innovation, leadership, and a dedication to uplifting our community. Its an honor for Bailey to pay tribute to the honorees, and commemorate the lasting impact of HBCUs.
On Sunday, December 1st, 2024, at 8 PM EST, BET will broadcast the ‘HBCU Honors’ for readers to visually tune into the full display of the remarkable achievements of historically Black college graduates (HBCUs) who have significantly influenced various industry sectors.
This event will highlight the “Black Excellence” of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which empowered generations to realize their full potential on a global scale.
Peeps, be sure to mark your calendars for this must-watch award ceremony, highlighting the achievements of HBCU alums, made possible by the pioneers who brought the vision of historically Black colleges and universities to life.
