HBCU Honors 2024: A Night of Black Excellence & Powerful Speeches

It was a night to remember at Howard University’s historic Cramton Auditorium in Washington, D.C., where the 2nd Annual HBCU Honors celebrated the incredible achievements and enduring contributions of Historically Black College and University alumni. Held on November 14, this star-studded event, hosted by comedian and Fisk University alumna Kim Whitley, brought together the best of Black excellence, education, and entertainment. From inspiring speeches to show-stopping performances, the evening was a powerful reminder of the transformative legacy of HBCUs.

HBCU Honors Blue Carpet

The HBCU Honors Blue Carpet, hosted by comedian Joe Clair and radio personality Autumn Joi Live, was a dazzling celebration of Black excellence that set the tone for the evening. The star-studded event featured Grammy-nominated artist Raheem DeVaughn, influential tech leaders Jeron Smith and Aloni Ford, and reality TV personalities like Yandy Smith, Mendeecees Harris, Karen Huger, and Askale Davis. The blue carpet also welcomed an array of prominent figures, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, and UNCF Executive Vice President Maurice Jenkins. Community leaders such as Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, #WinWithBlackWomen founder Jotaka Eaddy, and The Crown Act founder Kelli Richardson Lawson added their voices to the celebration, reinforcing the importance of community and innovation in shaping the future of HBCU graduates.

HBCU Black Excellence

The honorees of the night included trailblazers across fields, whose stories resonated with the audience and showcased the strength of the HBCU community:

Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Tuskegee University graduate, NASA engineer, and inventor of the Super Soaker, received the Innovation Trailblazer Award. Johnson inspired the audience with his reflections on pushing boundaries in science and technology while championing the next generation of Black innovators. “Black excellence is about setting the example for our youth because they are our legacy,” he shared.

Jewel Burks Solomon, Howard University alumna and advocate for diversity in tech, was presented with the Founders Award. Solomon’s speech highlighted the importance of representation and opportunity: “Your ideas, paired with your tenacity and the support of your community, can change the world.”

Will Packer, renowned Hollywood producer and Florida A&M University alum, delivered a deeply emotional acceptance speech. Flanked by his children, who introduced him, Packer credited his HBCU upbringing for his success: “I stand on this stage because I was surrounded by a community that told me I was enough when others told me I was not.”

Performances That Moved the Soul

The night kicked off with an electrifying performance by Bel’la Dona, perfectly setting the tone in the heart of Washington, D.C., a city synonymous with go-go music. Their high-energy set featured the city anthem “Fiyahh,” a track so infectious it practically demanded to be added to every playlist. As the beats filled the auditorium, the Howard University Ooh La La! dancers paraded down the aisles and onto the stage, amplifying the excitement. The crowd couldn’t resist—it wasn’t long before people were dancing in their seats, fully immersed in the vibrant energy.

The evening continued with a heartfelt and powerful first televised performance of “Help” by Erica Campbell, of the award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary, and her daughter Krista Campbell. Their mother-daughter collaboration was not only vocally stunning but also deeply moving, delivering a message of motivation and perseverance that resonated with everyone in attendance.

Three-time Grammy winner and Peabody, Clio, Telly, and NAACP Image Award recipient J. Ivy, alongside his wife Tarrey Torae, took the stage with a stirring performance of his poetic piece “Fire.” The duo’s delivery was both emotional and educational, showcasing J. Ivy’s signature ability to move and inform through his art—an unforgettable moment that left the audience in awe.

Hezekiah Walker brought the house to church with his platinum hit “Every Praise,” backed by the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir, which had the entire audience on their feet, singing along to every word. The performance was more than just uplifting; it was a powerful moment of purpose. Walker used the opportunity to announce a groundbreaking $100M campaign to support HBCU students. Adding to the impact, the segment featured appearances from the national presidents and students of each Black Greek-letter organization, beautifully reinforcing the evening’s overarching themes of community, legacy, and collective empowerment.

Fantasia electrified the crowd with her beloved hit “When I See You,” before launching into a medley of go-go classics popularized by EU, bringing a distinct D.C. flair to the performance. The energy was infectious, with audience members of all ages dancing in their seats, completely swept up in the vibrant atmosphere. The air buzzed with excitement, and if this performance was any indication, Fantasia’s live shows are nothing short of unforgettable.

Adding to the evening’s musical brilliance, Howard University alumna and rising star Imani Grace Cooper entertained the audience with her smooth jazz vocals. Meanwhile, The Voice sensation Macy Royals performed a soulful rendition of Bobby Caldwell’s classic, “What You Won’t Do for Love.” 

The grand finale brought the evening to a powerful close, featuring Hip-Hop legend MC Lyte alongside Hezekiah Walker, the Virginia Union Gospel Choir, and Erica and Krista Campbell. Together, they delivered a stirring performance of Lyte’s single “Thank You” from her latest album. 

Contributions and Community Impact

The night wasn’t just about celebrating; it was also about giving back. Several significant contributions were announced to support HBCU students and programs:

• Google’s $5 million investment in Spelman College STEM initiatives and expanded partnerships to bring data analytics programs to HBCUs and high schools nationwide.
• Mielle’s $200,000 commitment to Hampton University’s Lady Pirates, which includes scholarships and mentorship programs led by WNBA professionals.
• The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s $20,000 surprise scholarship to Fayetteville State University student Alyssa Henson.
• Fantasia and Walmart’s “HBCUers Dream Big” initiative, which mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs from Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University.

A Tribute to Kamala Harris

One of the most moving moments of the night came from Dr. Glenda Glover, the immediate past president of Tennessee State University, who honored Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University alumna. Her heartfelt speech celebrated Harris’s historic rise to the vice presidency and her dedication to HBCUs: “Her journey reminds us that the foundation of an HBCU education can lead to heights we’ve only dreamed of.”

A Vision for the Future

In a post-event roundtable, HBCU Honors founder Michelle M. Bailey reflected on the importance of spotlighting HBCU graduates, saying, “These trailblazers and innovators are products of HBCUs, and that should never be an afterthought. We must proudly tell the world where these power players began their journeys.”

Why You Need to Watch HBCU Honors

HBCU Honors founder Michelle M. Bailey summed up the night perfectly: “These honorees and performers are products of HBCUs. Their stories inspire, their success uplifts, and their legacy is proof of what HBCUs represent.” From the announcement of Howard University’s first-ever figure skating team to the unforgettable performances, this year’s HBCU Honors was a celebration of culture, resilience, and excellence.

If you’re looking for inspiration, joy, and a reminder of why HBCUs are at the heart of Black excellence, tune into the BET broadcast of the 2nd Annual HBCU Honors on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 8 PM ET. You won’t want to miss this powerful celebration of community, legacy, and hope.