( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Actress Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Celebrated Homecoming Season With DIAGEO and its Brands
ENSPIRE Contributor: Megan Holder
Jenkins partied for a purpose with DIAGEO and its brands CÎROC, Crown Royal, Tequila Don Julio, and Tanqueray in celebration of Black Excellence. With several impactful events that activated throughout the weekend, DIAGEO and its brands joined forces with HBCU Buzz founder Luke Anthony Lawal, Jr to honor the next generation of Black leaders and industry change-makers at the 30 Under 30 reception and the Inaugural Alumni Bison Ball. “Returning to my alma mater to recognize an influential group of 30 under 30 leaders is so inspiring. I’m proud to join DIAGEO and its brands as we toast to this group of dynamic change makers who are blazing the trail for others and carrying on the legacy of HBCUs forward,” Jenkins said.
For the past eight years, leaders, and change-makers from HBCUs have been recognized and honored at the HBCU Buzz’s Top 30 Under 30. This celebration showcases the talent of HBCU graduates. According to hbcubuzz.com, “HBCUs provide the foundation and support needed for their students to go out into the world and become prestigious leaders. This year we continue to honor HBCU students from various backgrounds achieving excellence and making their alma mater proud. Some leaders featured include a rocket scientist, an award-winning Broadway actor, accomplished doctors, and more.”
Part of DIAGEO’s commitment to advancing the black community with its pledge of $10 million is to create permanent endowments at 25 HBCUs, develop future leaders, and help shape a more equitable society. This homecoming season they honored those cultivating change in career and community and celebrated all that is black excellence. Next month, DIAGEO will continue to celebrate HBCU traditions and the historic rivalry between Grambling State University and Southern University at the 48th Annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Throughout the weekend, CÎROC, Crown Royal, Tequila Don Julio, and Tanqueray joined the community as they honored black celebration through the lens of community, impact, and inclusivity.
Jenkins is an actress on Netflix who plays a role in the series “Dear White People.” Her character is a freshman who found her way through a predominantly white institution while embracing her black culture. Jenkins is a Howard University alumna.
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