In The Latest News In Support Of HBCUS
The HBCU Week Foundation has wrapped its 9th Annual HBCU Week, a seven-day celebration spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their undeniable influence on culture, education, and opportunity. Backed by presenting sponsors Sallie Mae and DuPont, this year’s festival delivered on all fronts—blending celebrity power, career resources, and student access into one unforgettable experience.
The week opened on Saturday, September 20, with the annual Gospel Brunch—setting the tone with faith, community, and reflection. From there, the energy only grew. Panels throughout the week dug deep into the future of HBCU culture, education pipelines, and career pathways, ensuring that the conversations were just as impactful as the celebrations.
On Wednesday, September 24, the festival shifted gears with the highly anticipated HBCU Week Concert. Music icons K. Michelle and Juvenile delivered electrifying performances—bringing nostalgia with their classics while also debuting fresh tracks that point to the future of R&B and hip-hop.
The following evening, September 25, a private VIP Reception gathered some of the industry’s most recognizable names, including Gail Bean (P-Valley), Laila Pruitt (BMF), Lance Gross (House of Payne), Stephen A. Smith (ESPN), and Brian Jordan Jr. (Tyler Perry’s SISTAS). During the event, the HBCU Week Foundation made a groundbreaking announcement: the launch of its first-ever Arts & Entertainment Scholarship.
In partnership with Heather Lowry—founder of Femme It Forward and HBCU Week Brand Ambassador—the $40,000 scholarship will support a future or current HBCU student pursuing a degree in the arts or entertainment. Beyond financial support, the award includes mentorship, internship placement, and year-round access to career development opportunities. Applications are now live at www.hbcuweek.org.
Friday, September 26, brought the week’s centerpiece—the HBCU Week College Fair. Thousands of high school students filled the space, many leaving with on-the-spot scholarships from institutions like Delaware State University, Bowie State University, Virginia State University, and more. Later that evening, the culture was on full display with the inaugural Greek Stroll Off Competition, where the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Psi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. each secured a $2,500 prize.
HBCU Week officially closed with a Day Party in collaboration with Delaware State University—capping off a week that fused education, culture, and entertainment into one powerful narrative.
“This year’s HBCU Week was truly a milestone. We combined culture, entertainment, and education to create opportunities and memories that will inspire the next generation of HBCU students,” said Ashley Christopher, Founder & CEO of HBCU Week Foundation.
