Howard University hosts 2024 HBCU Honors
By Michelle Bailey Special to the AFRO
The second annual HBCU Honors took place inside of Howard University’s historic Cramton Auditorium on Nov. 14.
The prestigious event, which serves as a time to celebrate Black excellence at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is scheduled to air on BET on Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The ceremony was hosted by award-winning actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a proud alumna of Fisk University. The event recognized influential HBCU alumni, including filmmaker Will Packer, a graduate of Florida A and M University; The legendary inventor of the “super soaker” water gun, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, an alumnus of Tuskegee University, and tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, an alumnus of Howard University.
The ceremony also included a special corporate spotlight, recognizing HBCU alumni who are making an impact in their career fields and communities, while demonstrating excellent leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing the HBCU legacy. Honorees included Tanya Lombard graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, who serves as vice president of global public policy at AT&T; Carmen Brown, a Spelman College alumna who is director of the Global Media Foundation and consumer marketing at Meta (Facebook) and NBA star Chris Paul, a Winston-Salem State University alumnus. Brandon McEachern, a North Carolina Central University alumnus, was also honored alongside Marcus Allen, a graduate of North Carolina A and T, who together co-founded Broccoli City.
The evening featured captivating performances from Grammy awardwinning artists such as Fantasia, Hezekiah Walker, Erica Campbell, MC Lyte, the Virginia Union University Choir and more.
A special highlight of the event was the recognition of the Howard University Skating Team, the first intercollegiate figure skating team at an HBCU. Members of the team were recognized for breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in their sport. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations, led by Grammy Award-winning artists J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae, and celebrated rising talent, including Imani-Grace Cooper, recognized as this year’s HBCU Rising Star.
Adding to the celebration, Racquel Oden, chair of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Board, delivered an inspiring presentation emphasizing the organization’s impact on HBCUs through scholarships, leadership development and career pathways.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Michelle Bailey is the visionary and founder behind the HBCU Honors.
Award-winning actress and comedian Kym Whitley, a proud alumna of Fisk University, serves as mistress of ceremonies.
Grammy award-winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker performs live at the HBCU honors with the Virginia Union University Choir.
Howard University Skating Team, the first intercollegiate figure skating team at a historically Black institution, receives special recognition at the HBCU Honors.
The famed inventor of the “super soaker” water gun, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, an alumnus of Tuskegee University, is honored at the HBCU Honors.
Birice Packer (left) and Nina Packer pose with film producer and HBCU Honors recipient Will Packer, a graduate of Florida A and M University.
Raquel Oden (left), board chair of the Thurgood Marshall Fund (TMCF), presents Alyssa Henson with a scholarship.
McKenzie Estep, the 2024 Miss Black District of Columbia USA, graces the red carpet.
Aisha Braveboy, state’s attorney of Prince George’s County, Md., attends the HBCU Honors in D.C.
Celebrity Artist MC Lyte arrives as one of several artists to perform at Howard University on Nov. 14.
Celebrity singer Fantasia performs for the audience at Howard University on Nov. 14.
Erica Campbell, gospel singer and songwriter, hits the stage.
Joe Clair (left) and Autumn Joi Live (right) pose with Baltimore’s Hana Pugh Scott and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
The AFRO honors military men and women at annual Veterans Day luncheon
1948, Durham served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was one of multiple awardees to receive recognition at the AFRO’s 2024 Veterans Day luncheon.
Deyane Moses is currently the director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities. However, before she began dedicating her time to the AFRO Archives, she served for seven years in the U.S. Army. Moses was one of two surprise honorees at the AFRO’s 2024 Veterans Day luncheon, in addition to the three awardees publicized ahead of the event.
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
The AFRO recognized every branch of the Armed Forces on Nov. 14 at the 2024 Veterans Day Luncheon. The event took place inside of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, and served as a salute to service members of the U.S. Air Force; U.S. Army; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Marine Corps; U.S. Navy and the Space Force.
Three honorees, Carroll A. “Junebug” Durham, Arnold H. Sampson Jr. and Perlisa D. Wilson, were honored along with former Maryland State Delegate Clarence “Tiger” Davis and the AFRO’s own Deyane Moses, who serves as director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities.
Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings serves as the keynote speaker for the luncheon, which highlighted the more than 850 women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
AFRO Photos / James Fields
Carroll A. “Junebug” Durham is the recipient of more than a dozen awards for his bravery in combat. Born in
Shown here, Kai Wilson; Kevin Peck, AFRO VP of marketing and technology; Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Perlisa D. Wilson and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of the AFRO American Newspapers.
Arnold Sampson lll (left) stands with AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper as she presents an award to AFRO Honoree Arnold H. Sampson Jr., with help from Kevin Peck, the AFRO’s director of marketing and technology (right).
Al Michael (left) and David E. Green
Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings delivers a keynote speech, highlighting the work of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
Lt. Col. Ray Ragan, a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, also serves as CEO for Security Plus Credit Union.
George Forrest (left) and Retired Colonel John Astle, former Maryland State Senator (D- Md.District 30), enjoy the event.
Terri Freeman, president of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, welcomes guests to the event.
K.T. Tyler serves as chairperson for the Maryland Veterans Commission Serving Maryland Veterans.
Former Maryland State Delegate Clarence “Tiger” Davis receives recognition for his time in the U.S. Air Force and in the community. Davis arrived expecting to highlight the work of others, only to learn that he was one of two surprise honorees to receive awards that were undisclosed ahead of the ceremony