When you think of “For Us, By Us” organizations, the HBCU Honors stands at the forefront. Created by Michelle Bailey, a proud Spelman graduate, this initiative shines a light on the Black excellence that emerges from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Bailey birthed the idea of pushing the culture forward by honoring today’s culture movers and shakers, giving them their much-deserved flowers.
Michelle has stated, “Our amazing HBCU honorees and trailblazers embody what HBCU excellence looks like... crushing glass ceilings, driving equity and inclusion, challenging the status quo, dispelling stereotypes, and advancing the HBCU mission.”
While on the blue carpet at one of the oldest historically Black universities in the United States, it was inspiring to see Black culture celebrated on such a grand scale. It served as a reminder that representation matters, and that Black culture is the standard. The vibe on the blue carpet was reminiscent of a family reunion, with honorees coming together as one big family to reflect on the privilege of being part of an “elite group” bonded by shared experiences. Stories were told of humble beginnings, working tirelessly through school, and instilling that same drive in the next generation. Many shared a commitment to passing the torch by making dreams a reality for future scholars through significant scholarship contributions.
The HBCU Honors, hosted by actress, comedian, and Fisk University alumna Kym Whitley, will air on December 1, 2024, on BET. This year, the awards will honor individuals who exemplify what it means to push boundaries, refuse to take “no” for an answer, and, in the words of Will Packer, “Stop asking people for permission to be successful.”
Some of the esteemed honorees include Dr. Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the iconic Super Soaker; Will Packer, Emmy-nominated film producer; and Jewel Burks Solomon, managing partner at Collab Capital.
What’s an award show without music? The stage will be graced by the talented gospel mother-daughter duo Erica and Krista Campbell, Grammy-winning artist Fantasia, hip-hop legend MC Lyte, and many more.
Attending an HBCU is a great honor, but in the spirit of friendly competition, the question remains: Who is the best HBCU?
Tune in to celebrate Black excellence on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET on BET. Join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: HBCU Honors Instagram: @hbcu_honorsX (formerly Twitter): @HBCU_Honors.
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