The annual HBCU Honors ceremony, hosted by BET, is set to shine a spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities during Thanksgiving weekend. The event celebrates the unwavering commitment of HBCUs to fostering Black excellence, leadership, and legacy. This year’s ceremony, airing on BET and BET Her on November 30th at 8 p.m., will bring together performers, presenters, honorees, and emerging HBCU talent for a night of celebrating HBCU culture.
Hosted by Fisk University alumna and actress Kym Whitley, the HBCU Honors will honor Pastor Shirley Caesar, David Banner, and Janice Bryant Howroyd. Pastor Shirley Caesar, known as the “First Lady of Gospel,” will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her six-decade career as a gospel singer-songwriter and minister. David Banner will be recognized with the Cultural Impact Award for his commitment to uplifting Black communities as a rapper, activist, and entrepreneur. Janice Bryant Howroyd, the first Black woman to own a billion-dollar business, will be honored with the Visionary Founder Award for her pioneering leadership and impact.
The ceremony will also reveal the winner of the HBCU Honors Rising Star National Talent Search and showcase students pursuing careers in media, production, and digital storytelling as part of the HBCU Honors Media Futures Fellowship. Additionally, the Divine Nine, Black Greek-letter organizations at the center of HBCU culture, will be honored for their century-long impact on leadership, service, and community.
The evening will feature performances from singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, Howard University’s dance team, spoken-word artist J. Ivy, and vocalist Tarrey Torae. Ceremony presenters including actor Lance Gross, TV personality Shaun Robinson, and other esteemed individuals will guide audiences through key moments of the night.
Media personality Bevy Smith and former “Love & Hip Hop LA” star Ray Cunningham will co-host the red carpet for the event. The ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration as it highlights the incredible contributions of HBCUs and their impact on Black culture and society.
