B4 The Afro-American November 23, 2024 - November 29, 2024
Howard University hosts 2024 HBCU Honors By Michelle Bailey Special to the AFRO
The second annual HBCU Honors took place inside of Howard University’s historic Cramton Auditorium on Nov. 14. The prestigious event, which serves as a time to celebrate Black excellence at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is scheduled to air on BET on Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The ceremony was hosted by award-winning actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a proud alumna of Fisk University. The event recognized influential HBCU alumni, including filmmaker Will Packer, a graduate of Florida A and M University; The legendary inventor of the “super soaker” water gun, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, an alumnus of Tuskegee University, and tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, an alumnus of Howard University. The ceremony also included a special corporate spotlight, recognizing HBCU alumni who are making an impact in their career fields and communities, while demonstrating excellent leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing the HBCU legacy. Honorees included Tanya Lombard graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, who serves as vice president of global public policy at AT&T; Carmen Brown, a Spelman College alumna who is director of the Global Media Foundation and consumer marketing at Meta (Facebook) and NBA star Chris Paul, a Winston-Salem State University alumnus. Brandon McEachern, a North Carolina Central University alumnus, was also honored alongside Marcus Allen, a graduate of North Carolina A and T, who together co-founded Broccoli City. The evening featured captivating performances from Grammy awardwinning artists such as Fantasia, Hezekiah Walker, Erica Campbell, MC Lyte, the Virginia Union University Choir and more. A special highlight of the event was the recognition of the Howard University Skating Team, the first intercollegiate figure skating team at an HBCU. Members of the team were recognized for breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in their sport. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations, led by Grammy Award-winning artists J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae, and celebrated rising talent, including Imani-Grace Cooper, recognized as this year’s HBCU Rising Star. Adding to the celebration, Racquel Oden, chair of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Board, delivered an inspiring presentation emphasizing the organization’s impact on HBCUs through scholarships, leadership development and career pathways. AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Michelle Bailey is the visionary and founder behind the HBCU Honors.
Award-winning actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a proud alumna of Fisk University, serves as mistress of ceremonies.
The famed inventor of the “super soaker” water gun, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, an alumnus of Tuskegee University, is honored at the HBCU Honors.
Howard University Skating Team, the first intercollegiate figure skating team at a historically Black institution, receives special recognition at the HBCU Honors.
Aisha Braveboy, state’s attorney of Prince George’s County, Md., attends the HBCU Honors in D.C.
Raquel Oden (left), board chair of the Thurgood Marshall Fund (TMCF), presents Alyssa Henson with a scholarship.
Celebrity Artist MC Lyte arrives as one of several artists to perform at Howard University on Nov. 14.
McKenzie Estep, the 2024 Miss Black District of Columbia USA, graces the red carpet.
Birice Packer (left) and Nina Packer pose with film producer and HBCU Honors recipient Will Packer, a graduate of Florida A and M University.
Erica Campbell, gospel singer and songwriter, hits the stage.
Grammy award-winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker performs live at the HBCU honors with the Virginia Union University Choir.
Celebrity singer Fantasia performs for the audience at Howard University on Nov. 14.
Joe Clair (left) and Autumn Joi Live (right) pose with Baltimore’s Hana Pugh Scott and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
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