Celebrate Black Excellence: HBCU Honors on BET

The 2nd Annual HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble, brings a one-of-a-kind celebration of Black excellence to television audiences when it airs on BET on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 8 PM ET. Taped at the historic Cramton Auditorium at Howard University, this star-studded awards show celebrates the remarkable achievements of HBCU alumni, including this year’s major honorees Will Packer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, and Jewel Burks Solomon.

Hosted by award-winning actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a proud Fisk University alumna, the show highlights the enduring legacy of HBCUs with legendary performances, heartfelt tributes, and powerful moments. Dedicated to the theme “Celebrating Black Excellence,” Whitley sets the tone for an evening filled with inspiration and joy.

“For over 100 years, our schools have produced some of the most influential leaders in the Black community,” she shares. “Our hope and our progress rest on the shoulders of these leaders and the innovation of today’s graduates. Tonight, we celebrate and we honor them.”

One of the many highlights of the evening came from honoree Will Packer, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduate, who was awarded the HBCU Honors Industry Impact Award, presented by Mielle. In an emotional presentation, Packer’s children, Nija Packer and Zion Packer emphasized his journey from an aspiring college student at FAMU to a Hollywood visionary. Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Packer delivers a powerful speech that resonates deeply with the audience.

“I stand on this stage because I was surrounded by a community that told me that I was enough when others told me that I was not,” he shared. “I was supported by folks who told me, ‘you cannot only be good, but you can be great.’ I am honored to receive this award… but I am just one person. I stand as a representative of so many others who are part of a community that is ready to let the world know that we will not be stopped, because we got each other.”

Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a proud Tuskegee University graduate, former NASA engineer, and inventor of the Super Soaker, received the HBCU Honors Innovation Trailblazer Award, presented by Florida A&M University alum Marcos Purty, Vice President of Global Quality, Supplier Quality, and Operational Excellence at General Motors. Dr. Johnson inspired the audience by reflecting on his groundbreaking contributions to science and engineering while underscoring the importance of future innovators.

“Black excellence is about setting the example for our youth because they are our legacy. I thank this community for ensuring we build that bridge to the future.”

The evening also celebrated Jewel Burks Solomon, a Howard University graduate, entrepreneur, and advocate for women and diversity in technology. She was presented with the HBCU Honors Founders Award by Kelesha Armand, Spelman College Alumna, and General Counsel of Consumer Banking and Deputy General Counsel of Consumer & Community Banking at JP Morgan Chase. Solomon’s speech reflected her commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship.

“I feel so blessed to be standing here at Howard University, my beloved alma mater, receiving this honor,” she said. “In light of a world that continues to undervalue our work and contributions, I want to remind us all that our dreams matter. Your ideas, paired with your tenacity and the support of your community, can change the world.”

Hosted by Joe Clair and AutumnJoi Live, the HBCU Honors Blue Carpet buzzed with energy as notable guests made their entrance, including Grammy-nominated artist Raheem DeVaughn, HBCU Honors Founder Michelle M. Bailey, tech leaders Jeron Smith and Aloni Ford, reality stars Yandy Smith, Mendeecees Harris, Jr., Karen Huger, Askale Davis and Clifton Petite, alongside community leaders like Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, State’s Atty. for Prince George’s County Aisha Braveboy, former NFL player Marcus Allen, political strategist/TV host and founder of #WinWithBlackWomen Jotaka Eaddy, The Crown Act founder, Kelli Richardson Lawson, UNCF executive vice president Maurice Jenkins, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Fayetteville State University Board Chair Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, PhD., The Links, Incorporated Eastern Area Director, Lisa Loury Lomas, PhD., Elsie Cooke Holmes, President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Chris V. Rey, National President Phi Beta Sigma & President Barber-Scotia College, Maurice Jenkins, Executive Vice President, United Negro College Fund, local TV news personalities Tisha Lewis, Stephen Graddick, Alena Oakes, Marissa Mitchell and Wisdom Martin, creator of Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Melanie Few, Bishop Joel R. Peebles, Prelate of Global United Fellowship, and many more!

Kicking the show off with an electrifying performance, Be’la Dona, DC’s legendary all-female Go-Go band, was joined by the Howard University Ooh La La! dancers to set the stage for a triumphant evening. Grammy Award-winning artist Fantasia had the crowd on their feet with a soul-stirring medley of her hit “When I See You” and other fan favorites, leaving the audience captivated. Other standout performances included “The Voice” Season 24 sensation Mac Royals, who delivered a smooth rendition of Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love,” and HBCU Rising Star Imani-Grace Cooper, who wowed the audience with her performance of “Better.” Gospel powerhouse Erica Campbell and her daughter, Krista Campbell, a Spelman College student, performed their first-ever nationally televised duet of Erica’s hit “Help,” celebrating faith and family.

The night featured a number of unforgettable collaborations, including a poetic musical tribute by Grammy Award-winning couple, J. Ivy and his wife Tarrey Torae. Their moving performance announced a $100M campaign to support HBCU students and honored the Divine Nine with appearances by national presidents and students from each Black Greek-letter organization. Gospel icon Hezekiah Walker, accompanied by the Virginia Union University Gospel Choir, performed his classic “Every Praise,” honoring the legacy of gospel music and celebrating the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University.

The show concluded with a powerful finale featuring hip-hop icon MC Lyte, Hezekiah Walker, the Virginia Union Gospel Choir, and Erica and Krista Campbell performing Lyte’s single “Thank You” from her new album. Before the final performance, Michelle Bailey, HBCU Honors Founder and Spelman College graduate, took the stage to reflect on the event’s impact and the power of HBCUs.

“My heart is truly full. This has been a beautiful night of Black excellence and HBCU Honors. It is truly a dream come true. I’m standing here tonight on behalf of our ancestors, and I think they would be proud. This has been an incredible evening for our HBCU culture—a night to celebrate, honor, and elevate the legacy that binds us all.”

With its unforgettable moments, impactful announcements, and cultural pride, the 2024 HBCU Honors continues to elevate the legacy of HBCUs and inspire future generations. Don’t miss the broadcast on BET, December 1, 2024, at 8 PM ET.

For more information on the HBCU Honors, visit www.HBCUHonors.org, and follow @HBCUHonors on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Glow Up Your Eyes with New ‘Kista’ Digital Lifestyle Glasses – Gunnar Optiks

Gunnar Optik’s just unveiled three hot new digital lifestyle glasses that will glow up your daily work routine!

Designed for women who prioritize style and eye health, the new Anna, Kaia, and Lahti, all part of the elegant new Kista Collection, go well with any outfit while offering the eye-protecting, blue-light-blocking, and computer vision syndrome-fighting benefits Gunnar Optiks is known for.

Anna (MSRP: $99)

  • Its contemporary cat eye is elegant and made of a premium hand-polished polymer frame available in three unique colorways.

Kaia (MSRP: $99)

  • It has a unique square-shaped design and a stylish keyhole bridge. A glossy, premium polymer acetate frame material is used, and adjustable nose pads provide premium comfort.

Lahti (MSRP: $99)

  • It has a round style with a flattened upper frame and is accented with metal details in the temples.

LOVE & MARRIAGE: HUNTSVILLE CAST AND CARLOS KING “SPILL THE TEA” AT PRIVATE LA EVENT 

OWN Network celebrated the highly anticipated launch of the new season of their hit reality series, Love & Marriage: Huntsville  with an exclusive Special Live Conversation and reception at NYA Studios West in Los Angeles. Alongside reality king and Creator and Executive Producer, Carlos King decked out in fit to impress, were Love & Marriage: Huntsville castmates Kimmi Scott, Maurice Scott, LaTisha Scott, and Marsau Scott.

TINA PERRY, President of OWN Network; SHIRLEY SALOMON, Vice President of Production of OWN, DARYL BOLANDER, Vice President, Programming & Development of OWN; and DREW TAPPON, Head of Unscripted Development and Executive Producer of Love & Marriage: Huntsville, OWN, among many others, also were present to toast to OWN’s #1 series.

The evening kicked off with a bustling red carpet, followed by an inspiring sizzle reel highlighting OWN, Love & Marriage Huntsville, and the partnership with Carlos King and Kingdom Reign Productions. Following the sizzle, Carlos made a grand entrance, welcomed the invited guests, and introduced The Scotts.

The real and raw conversation around black love, the development of the show on OWN, and the authentic storytelling were met with a roaring round of applause at the end. The festivities then continued at NYA with an elevated reception where guests sipped on themed cocktails like Carlos Spills The Tea, Spicy Love & Marriage Margarita, and Reign Drops and snacked on hors d’oeuvres with local NAACP, NABJLA members and press in attendance.

OWN reinforced last night the value in investing in African American creators and storytelling that speaks authentically to the culture and community that left people inspired and encouraged.

PHOTO CREDIT: Yvette Jones/ OWN NETWORK