I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived in Wilmington, Delaware for the 6th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala—but what I experienced left me inspired, emotional, and filled with so much gratitude.
As a proud Howard alum and part of a first-generation HBCU family, I’ve always known what it means to be shaped by the legacy and community of Black colleges. But this event reminded me of something deeper: that the HBCU experience doesn’t just change you—it creates ripple effects that impact generations.
The evening brought together honorees like Anthony Anderson, Loren LoRosa, and Ebonie Ward—each of them a shining example of what happens when you invest in Black students, talent, and creativity. Loren said something that’s still sitting with me: “I am the return on your investment.” That line, that truth, is what this entire night was about.
From the moment I stepped into the space, I felt the presence of something powerful. Alumni from Spelman, Morehouse, Howard, FAMU, Tuskegee, Kentucky State, Delaware State, and much more filled the room—not just to celebrate success, but to uplift legacy. To pass the torch. To say: we see you, and we’re here for you.
And that’s what the HBCU Week Foundation is doing. Founded by Ashley Christopher, Esq., the Foundation is a movement built on access and impact. Every year, they host a weeklong celebration that looks and feels like homecoming—but it’s designed for high school students, with a built in college fair. Some students get accepted on the spot to HBCUs. And if funding is the barrier? That’s covered too.
By the Numbers (2024 College Fair Results):
- 2,974 on-the-spot acceptances
- 759 scholarships awarded
- Over $22.9 million in scholarship money offered
- 237 full rides awarded
This isn’t theory—this is tangible transformation.
What moved me most this year is their decision to expand scholarship offerings to include creative arts and entertainment. That hit home. Because we know—this path is often overlooked. It’s not the most financially secure industry, and yet, our stories matter. Our voices matter. And now, they’re investing in those of us who want to tell them.
It reminded me of the story of Chadwick Boseman—how Phylicia Rashad reached out to Denzel Washington to help cover his tuition at Oxford. And Denzel gave without hesitation, without fanfare. That’s what we do in our community. We show up. We pour in. We give back before we even know the return.
And the return is always beautiful.
The night itself was joyful—filled with line dancing, music that brought us back to campus days, and an unspoken bond that only HBCU alumni understand. It’s not just about the degrees we earned, but the people we became because of the environment that raised us.
So to the HBCU Week Foundation, to Ashley and her team, to Qey Creative Studio who brought me out—I want to say thank you. You didn’t just create an event. You reminded me why we all do this work. Why legacy matters. Why community matters. Why access matters.
If you’ve ever doubted the value of investing in an HBCU student, let me be clear: we are the investment. And we pay it forward every single day—in our industries, our families, our communities.
I left Wilmington feeling full. Of pride, of purpose, of renewed commitment. Because when you step into a room full of Black excellence across generations, you can’t help but believe in what’s possible.
And if you’re reading this and wondering how to make an impact—start here. Support the HBCU Week Foundation. Write the check. Tell a friend to do the same. Tell a student that their dreams are valid and that there’s room for them.
Because one thing about us? We’ll take the support—and build legacy with it.