HBCU Week Foundation has launched two new scholarship initiatives aimed at expanding access and opportunity for HBCU students and graduates, announced during the organization’s 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala at the historic Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware.
Co-hosted by Foundation founder Ashley Christopher and Emmy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe nominee Anthony Anderson, the gala honored four leaders for their impact across entertainment, sports and business. Grammy Award-winning producer and music director Adam Blackstone received the Trailblazer Award. Amazon Music’s Phylicia Fant, Global Director of Black Music and Culture, was honored with the Leadership Award. Entrepreneur and music executive Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins received the Living Legacy Award. Division I student-athlete Robert O. Wright III received the Rising Star Award.
The night also drew notable attendees including ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and media personality Loren LoRosa, who returned to support the Foundation after being honored at last year’s event. Corporate executives, educators, elected officials, HBCU leaders, alumni and advocates for educational access also attended.
The evening’s biggest moment came when the Foundation announced two new scholarships. The first, the HBCU Week Sports Scholarship, was inspired by Wright, who at just 20 years old pledged $25,000 of his own money to help establish the fund, making him one of the youngest major contributors in the Foundation’s history. The scholarship will support future HBCU student-athletes academically, athletically and professionally.
The Foundation also introduced the HBCU Week Treasurer’s Fellowship Graduate Scholarship, which will support HBCU graduates pursuing advanced degrees in business, finance, economics, accounting, public policy and related fields. Beyond financial assistance, the fellowship will offer mentorship, leadership development and access to industry professionals.
“The HBCU Week Awards Gala is a celebration of achievement, purpose, and possibility,” said Christopher. “This year’s honorees embody excellence in its highest form, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments while simultaneously investing in the next generation of HBCU leaders through these new scholarship initiatives. Robert’s decision to invest in other students at such a young age is a powerful example of leadership in action and reflects exactly what HBCU Week is all about.”
As HBCU Week Foundation continues to expand its reach nationwide, the new scholarships mark its latest effort to create pathways for HBCU students and invest in the next generation of leaders.