There is plenty to celebrate about the 3rd Annual HBCU Honors Presented by BET, as it was a powerful celebration of Black excellence, leadership, and legacy. The one-hour telecast, which originally premiered on November 30, 2025, on BET and BET Her, was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
The incredible program had loads of star-power, including the appearance of Emmy-nominated actress and Fisk alumna Kym Whitley, who anchored the evening with her trademark humor, magnetic energy, and a deep personal connection to HBCU culture.
From gospel fire to soulful storytelling, from Go-Go rhythms to cinematic spoken word, the 2025 HBCU Honors delivers a sweeping celebration of Black creativity and HBCU brilliance.
Raheem DeVaughn jump-started the evening with his signature soundscape that sets the tone for an unforgettable night, ignited by the dynamic Howard University OOH LALA Dancers, sponsored by EventsDC. Jekalyn Carr, Y’Anna Crawley, Myles Frost and the celebrated Morgan State University Choir united for a soaring, spirit-filled tribute to Lifetime Achievement honoree Pastor Shirley Caesar, honoring her six-decade influence with reverence and powerhouse vocals.
Tip “T.I.” Harris and DJ QuickSilva offered an electrifying salute to Cultural Impact honoree David Banner, while powerhouse vocalist Gabby Samone, accompanied by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts strings ensemble, delivers an emotionally rich performance honoring Visionary Founder Award recipient Janice Bryant Howroyd.
Grammy Award winning spoken-word visionary J. Ivy and vocalist Tarrey Torae saluted the power of Black Excellence and the Divine Nine.
The ceremony also featured a slate of presenters whose voices amplify the event’s core themes of leadership, culture, and excellence. Lance Gross (Howard University), Shaun Robinson (Spelman College), Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder/CEO of The BOSS Network, soulful music artist MAJOR., and Uncle Nearest Founder/CEO Fawn Weaver guide audiences through key moments of the night, introducing tributes and presenting awards to this year’s honorees.
HBCU Honors Rising Star National Talent Search, sponsored by Google. Created to elevate new HBCU musical voices, the initiative drew hundreds of nationwide submissions in just seven days.
From an impressive field, three finalists were selected:
- Johanna Clarke (Bennett College),
- Ronald Johnson (Morgan State University), and
- David Henderson (Coppin State University).
These rising artists traveled to Washington, D.C. for live mentorship and final auditions before an all-star judging panel: Tony Award winner Myles Frost, American Idol finalist Gabby Samone, GRAMMY nominee Raheem DeVaughn, HBCU Honors Music Director Shawn Williams, and Google UX Designer Timothy J. Hykes. Ronald Johnson emerged as the winner, earning a featured performance on the national BET broadcast on November 30.
The HBCU Honors Media Futures Fellowship, supported by Mielle Organics, continued to open doors for students pursuing careers in media, production, and digital storytelling. Those celebrated included the following:
- Christian Williams, Lincoln University
- Ashira Ramani Phillips, Spelman College
- Solana Escoffery, Spelman College
- Marvin Reginald Brown, Jr., Johnson C. Smith University
- Jasmine Woosley, Johnson C. Smith University
Media personality Bevy Smith and Ray Cunningham—College Hill’s celebrated VSU alum and former Love & Hip Hop LA cast member— co-hosted the 2025 Red Carpet, bringing unmatched style, wit, and cultural insight as they welcome honorees, performers, and guests.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM MAJOR:
MAJOR: “why we shouldn’t denounce HBCU”
Visit www.hbcuhonors.org or follow @HBCU_Honors on social media
