( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Virtual Media Roundtable Talks About Annual HBCU Honors
ENSPIRE Contributor: Luke Redhead
On November 24, a media roundtable took place centered around the 2025 Annual HBCU Honors Award Show. The Annual HBCU Honors celebration brought together a powerful display of pride, legacy, and achievement within the historically Black college and university community. Hosted by Kym Whitley on November 30th, it was a vibrant showcase of excellence. The November 24 roundtable highlighted the outstanding accomplishments of HBCU alumni and institutions across academics, culture, leadership, and service.
Hosted by actress and Fisk University alumna Kym Whitley, the awards show brought together a community of scholars, entertainers, and activists to honor the “spirit of the HBCU.” The ceremony emphasized that these institutions are not just historical landmarks, but active hubs of innovation and cultural pride that continue to shape the world today.
The 2025 HBCU Honors featured a dynamic lineup of performances that energized the audience. One of the night’s most electrifying moments came from Y’anna Crawley and Myles Frost, whose high-energy performance drew cheers from the crowd. Throughout the night, audiences were treated to powerful musical contributions from R&B and gospel artists. This included performances by Gabby Samone, J. Ivy with Tarry Torae, Ronald Johnson and other vocalists who infused the ceremony with emotional depth and talent. A soulful performance by Jekalyn Carr full of vibratto concluded the event.
The program honored three primary trailblazers for their significant contributions to culture and business. Along with Pastor Shirley Caesar, the event recognized artist and activist David Banner, a Southern University graduate, with the Cultural Impact Award. Additionally, Janice Bryant Howroyd, an alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, received the Visionary Founder Award for her historic success as the first Black woman to build a billion-dollar enterprise.
The 2025 HBCU Honors stood as more than just an awards program. It was a tribute to legacy, perseverance, and the continued excellence emerging from HBCUs all over the country. By spotlighting achievements while honoring the past, the event served as an inspiring reminder of the lasting influence of these historic institutions and the powerful legacy they continue to uphold.
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