PRESS RELEASE:
WASHINGTON, DC – December 11, 2024 – The 2024 HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble (P&G), is more than an awards show—it’s a celebration of Black excellence, culture, and legacy. Through meaningful partnerships and immersive brand activations, this year’s event brought HBCU stories to life, reflecting the collective commitment of sponsors to support Black creators, elevate Black narratives, and honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while achieving significant ratings success. Premiering on BET and BET Her during Thanksgiving weekend, this second annual celebration filmed at Howard University reached nearly half a million viewers and secured its place as a top cable program of the night among Black audiences, with standout Nielsen ratings showcasing its cultural and demographic impact.
According to Nielsen Media Research**, the HBCU Honors broadcast ranked as a Top 10 Ad-Supported Cable Primetime Telecast for the night among Black viewers (#8), standing alongside heavy-hitters like Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac and NBC’s Sunday Night Football. It also demonstrated double-digit gains across all major demographics, with exceptional growth among young male viewers. Following its successful on air premiere, an extended version with full performances is now available on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel.
Blue Carpet Hosts, Joe Clair and Autumn Joi interviewing HBCU Honors’ Host, Kim Whitley; Courtesy of HBCU Honors
With major support from Procter & Gamble as the presenting sponsor, this year’s event exemplified what happens when partnerships go beyond the transactional to create authentic connections. P&G brand Mielle sponsored the Industry Impact Award, honoring Hollywood powerhouse Will Packer in a moving tribute to creative brilliance. Unstopables spotlighted the Howard University Ice Skating Team, and Febreze launched the HBCU Shadowship Ambassador Initiative, pairing students with seasoned content creators and media professionals to build the next generation of digital creators. Photo activations in the lobby on behalf of Febreze and Getty Images brought to life the vibrancy of HBCU culture. A VIP reception hosted by Procter & Gamble and Thurgood Marshall College Fund brought together industry leaders, alumni, and students to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs while fostering meaningful connections and networking opportunities.
L-R: Fantasia (Middle) posting with students at Johnson C. Smith College and Divine 9 (Black Greek Sororities and Fraternities) Tribute; Courtesy of HBCU Honors
Getty Images provided comprehensive photo coverage of the event and offered rarely seen archival images from its Historically Black Colleges and Universities Collection for display. Getty Images’ partnership included a team of three photographers, including two student mentees from its HBCU Photography Mentorship and Grants Program from Morgan State University and Howard University, capturing red carpet, backstage, and event highlights.
JPMorgan Chase took a forward-thinking approach by sponsoring the Visionary Founder Award, honoring tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Jewel Burks Solomon. Presented by Spelman Alumna and JP Morgan Chase executive, Kelesha Armand, the award illustrates the financial giant’s focus on advancing Black innovation in tech. Chevrolet’s sponsorship of the Innovation Trailblazer Award extends this theme of empowerment, with Dr. Lonnie Johnson being recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to STEM, presented by Florida A&M University alumnus and General Motors executive Marcos Purty. Chevrolet’s role as the Official Transportation Partner, providing seamless ground travel for talent, added an element of operational enrichment to the event.
Mountain Dew served as the sponsor of the HBCU Honors Music Showcase, featuring a lineup of performances that blend star power and emerging talent, from Fantasia and Hezekiah Walker, to Mac Royals and the Virginia Union Gospel Choir. Events DC infused the evening with local flair, opening the show with the energy of DC’s iconic go-go band Be’la Dona and Howard University’s Ooh La La Danceline, anchoring the event in its host city’s cultural heritage. HBCU Honors was also proud to showcase its “Rising Star,” acclaimed jazz vocalist and Howard Alumna, Imani-Grace Cooper.
The evening began with elegant, branded blue carpet arrivals hosted by Joe Clair and AutumnJoi Live, who brought their unique energy to welcoming honorees and capturing the spirit of HBCU excellence for media outlets and guests. Amplifying the event’s impact in real-time, Yandy Smith-Harris served as Social Media Ambassador, giving her followers exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Her dynamic presence kept audiences engaged online, while Watch The Yard, a digital platform celebrating Black college culture, collaborated as a digital media partner. Google bridged the gap between honorees and the press with the HBCU Honors Media Lounge, where journalists and photographers captured pivotal moments and interviews backstage.
The night featured a number of unforgettable collaborations, including a poetic musical tribute by Grammy Award-winning couple, J. Ivy and his wife Tarrey Torae. Their moving performance announced a $100M campaign to support HBCU students and honored the Divine Nine with appearances by national presidents and students from each Black Greek-letter organization. In another moment of unity, Quaker Oats sponsored the show’s finale, a powerful performance combining hip-hop and gospel influences led by MC Lyte, Erica and Krista Campbell, Hezekiah Walker and the VUU Choir.
Dr. Glenda Glover, immediate Past President of Tennessee State University, inaugural HBCU Honors Alumna of the Year, and Vice Chair of the Biden-Harris White House HBCU Advisory Board, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Throughout the show, significant contributions and initiatives were unveiled, underscoring the importance of economic empowerment as well as the commitment of partners and individuals to advancing HBCU excellence:
- Mielle executives Monique Rodriguez and Omar Goff granted the Hampton University Lady Pirates Basketball Team a multi-year partnership, including $200K in funding, a $100K endowed scholarship, and a mentorship program led by WNBA professionals.
- Melonie D. Parker, Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Google, spoke about a $5M investment to Spelman College to empower Black women in STEM. She also shared Google’s partnership with the National Education Equity Lab, bringing the Google Data Analytics certificate to Howard University and Title 1 high schools nationwide.
- Racquel Oden, Chair of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, presented a surprise $20K scholarship to Fayetteville State University student Alyssa Henson, supporting her educational journey.
- Fantasia and Walmart proudly joined forces for “HBCUers Dream Big,” an empowering mentoring experience for aspiring women entrepreneurs from Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University. This impactful collaboration celebrates the transformative power of mentorship, igniting the potential of HBCU students to lead the future of business and innovation.
- Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, announced the continuation of the “Boss on Campus” initiative, reaffirming her commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and scholarships designed to support their academic and professional growth.
- Jeron Smith, Founder of The Incubation Lab, awarded a $10K scholarship to Howard University student Suleni T. Sabio-Arzu, helping her complete her education.
The HBCU Honors’ extraordinary sponsors prove that partnerships can serve a greater purpose. Their support amplifies the voices and stories of HBCU alumni, students, and the broader Black community. This event and television program is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and a testament to the potential of investing in culture and community.
An extended version of the 2nd Annual HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble, is now available on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel. For more updates, Blue Carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel, www.hbcuhonors.org, or follow @hbcu_honors on social media. #HBCUHonors #CelebratingBlackExcellence
