( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Juvenile, K. Michelle, Lance Gross, Gail Bean & More Attend 9th Annual HBCU Week
ENSPIRE Contributor: Justin Dominguez
Wilmington, Delaware proudly concluded its annual celebration of Historically Black Colleges, bringing together celebrities, industry leaders, students, and alumni for an unforgettable experience. This year’s festival, sponsored by Sallie Mae and Dupont, was the most star-studded yet, featuring appearances from Juvenile, K. Michelle, Gail Bean, Laila Pruitt, Lance Gross, and more.
The week kicked off on Saturday, September 20th, with the annual Gospel Brunch, setting a tone of faith and community. Throughout the week, engaging panels spotlighted education, career pathways, and HBCU culture. On Wednesday, September 24th, energy surged as the HBCU Week Concert took center stage, featuring powerhouse performances by K. Michelle and Juvenile. These artists wowed fans with their iconic hits while also debuting tracks from their upcoming albums. The next day, the celebration continued with a private VIP Reception attended by stars such as Gail Bean (P-Valley), Laila Pruitt (BMF), Lance Gross (House of Payne), Stephen A. Smith (ESPN), and Brian Jordan Jr. (Tyler Perry’s SISTAS).
At the event, HBCU Week Foundation announced the launch of its first-ever Arts & Entertainment Scholarship. This $40,000 scholarship, in partnership with Heather Lowry, founder of Femme It Forward and HBCU Week Brand Ambassador, will support one next-generation HBCU-bound or current HBCU student pursuing a degree in the arts or entertainment industry. The award includes mentorship, internship placement, and access to year-round programming.
The week’s main event, the HBCU Week College Fair, took place on Friday, September 26th, with an attendance of thousands of high school students. At the event, attendees could receive on-the-spot scholarships from prestigious institutions, including Delaware State University, Bowie State University, Virginia State University, and more. Additionally, the day concluded with the inaugural Greek Stroll Off Competition, where the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Psi Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. each claimed a $2,500 prize.
“This year’s HBCU Week was truly a milestone. We combined culture, entertainment, and education to create opportunities and memories that will inspire the next generation of HBCU students,” said Ashley Christopher, Founder & CEO of HBCU Week Foundation.
Applications for the Arts & Entertainment Scholarship are now open at www.hbcuweek.org. There, you can find more information, updates, or other scholarship applications.
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