D4 The Afro-American November 29, 2025 - December 5, 2025
HBCU Honors celebrate Black excellence By Patricia McDougall On Nov. 20, the HBCU Honors Foundation held its third annual HBCU Honors event at the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Washington, D.C. The ceremony honored historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Black excellence at its best. Actress and comedian Kym Whitley returned to host the event, serving as mistress of ceremonies. Honorees for this year included Pastor Shirley Caesar,
a Shaw University graduate; Jancie Bryant Howroyd, a North Agricultural and Technical State University alumna and David Banner, a Southern University and A and M College grad. The star-studded red carpet pulled together celebrities that took to the stage to remind all in attendance of the talent that HBCUs bring to the communities. The event will air on television on Nov. 30 on BET. AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Grammy Award-winning artist Clifford Joseph “T.I.” Harris Jr. (left) shares a moment with longtime friend, collaborator and Grammy-nominated artist, David Banner, a Southern University alumn and recipient of the Cultural Impact Award.
Meshelle “Indie Mom of Comedy” Foreman warms up the audience.
Baltimore-based American Idol finalist, Gabby Samone, takes to the HBCU Honors stage.
Actor Lance Gross, a Howard University alum, makes an appearance at the HBCU Honors.
Pastor Shirley Caesar, a staple of the gospel scene for decades, receives the “Living Legend Award” at the HBCU Honors in Washington, D.C.
Actress and comedian Kym Whitley hosts HBCU Honors for the second time.
Jamie and Eran Tyler from Love and Marriage DC attend the ceremony.
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raheem DeVaughn performs live at the HBCU Honors.
Those in attendance for the 2025 HBCU Honors celebrate the future of Black culture by shining a light on those who uplift the community.
Shown here, Michelle M. Bailey, founder and CEO of the HBCU Honors Foundation (right); Dorinda Walker, the foundation’s executive director; and Board Chair Michele Ghee (left).
Dr. Brandy Jackson, of the Howard University School of Education, arrives at the event.
Janice Bryant Howroyd, a California State University grad, receives the Visionary Founder Award for her work as founder of The ActOne Group.
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