| ***RATINGS INFORMATION/PROGRAMMING ALERT*** |
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| Sponsors Step Beyond Business Transactions to Celebrate Black Culture, Media, and Legacy at The 2024 HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble; One-Hour Special Now Available on YouTube Following its BET Telecast Premiere, Rated Among Top 10 Ad Supported Primetime Cable Shows on its Premiere Night |
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| With title sponsorship from Procter & Gamble and support from major partners and brands including Mielle, Unstopables, Febreze, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, Chevrolet, Getty Images, Events DC, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Mountain Dew, Quaker Oats, State Farm, Google, The Incubation Lab, The BOSS Network, and Watch The Yard, this year’s HBCU Honors brings immersive brand experiences and impactful stories to the forefront. |
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| WASHINGTON, DC – December 11, 2024 – The 2024 HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble (P&G), is more than an awards show—it’s a celebration of Black excellence, culture, and legacy. Through meaningful partnerships and immersive brand activations, this year’s event brought HBCU stories to life, reflecting the collective commitment of sponsors to support Black creators, elevate Black narratives, and honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while achieving significant ratings success. Premiering on BET and BET Her during Thanksgiving weekend, this second annual celebration filmed at Howard University reached nearly half a million viewers and secured its place as a top cable program of the night among Black audiences, with standout Nielsen ratings showcasing its cultural and demographic impact.
According to Nielsen Media Research**, the HBCU Honors broadcast ranked as a Top 10 Ad-Supported Cable Primetime Telecast for the night among Black viewers (#8), standing alongside heavy-hitters like Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac and NBC’s Sunday Night Football. It also demonstrated double-digit gains across all major demographics, with exceptional growth among young male viewers. Following its successful on air premiere, an extended version with full performances is now available on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel.
With major support from Procter & Gamble as the presenting sponsor, this year’s event exemplified what happens when partnerships go beyond the transactional to create authentic connections. P&G brand Mielle sponsored the Industry Impact Award, honoring Hollywood powerhouse Will Packer in a moving tribute to creative brilliance. Unstopables spotlighted the Howard University Ice Skating Team, and Febreze launched the HBCU Shadowship Ambassador Initiative, pairing students with seasoned content creators and media professionals to build the next generation of digital creators. Photo activations in the lobby on behalf of Febreze and Getty Images brought to life the vibrancy of HBCU culture. A VIP reception hosted by Procter & Gamble and Thurgood Marshall College Fund brought together industry leaders, alumni, and students to celebrate the legacy of HBCUs while fostering meaningful connections and networking opportunities.
Getty Images provided comprehensive photo coverage of the event and offered rarely seen archival images from its Historically Black Colleges and Universities Collection for display. Getty Images’ partnership included a team of three photographers, including two student mentees from its HBCU Photography Mentorship and Grants Program from Morgan State University and Howard University, capturing red carpet, backstage, and event highlights.
JPMorgan Chase took a forward-thinking approach by sponsoring the Visionary Founder Award, honoring tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Jewel Burks Solomon. Presented by Spelman Alumna and JP Morgan Chase executive, Kelesha Armand, the award illustrates the financial giant’s focus on advancing Black innovation in tech. Chevrolet’s sponsorship of the Innovation Trailblazer Award extends this theme of empowerment, with Dr. Lonnie Johnson being recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to STEM, presented by Florida A&M University alumnus and General Motors executive Marcos Purty. Chevrolet’s role as the Official Transportation Partner, providing seamless ground travel for talent, added an element of operational enrichment to the event.
Mountain Dew served as the sponsor of the HBCU Honors Music Showcase, featuring a lineup of performances that blend star power and emerging talent, from Fantasia and Hezekiah Walker, to Mac Royals and the Virginia Union Gospel Choir. Events DC infused the evening with local flair, opening the show with the energy of DC’s iconic go-go band Be’la Dona and Howard University’s Ooh La La Danceline, anchoring the event in its host city’s cultural heritage. HBCU Honors was also proud to showcase its “Rising Star,” acclaimed jazz vocalist and Howard Alumna, Imani-Grace Cooper.
The evening began with elegant, branded blue carpet arrivals hosted by Joe Clair and AutumnJoi Live, who brought their unique energy to welcoming honorees and capturing the spirit of HBCU excellence for media outlets and guests. Amplifying the event’s impact in real-time, Yandy Smith-Harris served as Social Media Ambassador, giving her followers exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Her dynamic presence kept audiences engaged online, while Watch The Yard, a digital platform celebrating Black college culture, collaborated as a digital media partner. Google bridged the gap between honorees and the press with the HBCU Honors Media Lounge, where journalists and photographers captured pivotal moments and interviews backstage.
The night featured a number of unforgettable collaborations, including a poetic musical tribute by Grammy Award-winning couple, J. Ivy and his wife Tarrey Torae. Their moving performance announced a $100M campaign to support HBCU students and honored the Divine Nine with appearances by national presidents and students from each Black Greek-letter organization. In another moment of unity, Quaker Oats sponsored the show’s finale, a powerful performance combining hip-hop and gospel influences led by MC Lyte, Erica and Krista Campbell, Hezekiah Walker and the VUU Choir.
Dr. Glenda Glover, immediate Past President of Tennessee State University, inaugural HBCU Honors Alumna of the Year, and Vice Chair of the Biden-Harris White House HBCU Advisory Board, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Throughout the show, significant contributions and initiatives were unveiled, underscoring the importance of economic empowerment as well as the commitment of partners and individuals to advancing HBCU excellence:
- Mielle executives Monique Rodriguez and Omar Goff granted the Hampton University Lady Pirates Basketball Team a multi-year partnership, including $200K in funding, a $100K endowed scholarship, and a mentorship program led by WNBA professionals.
- Melonie D. Parker, Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Google, spoke about a $5M investment to Spelman College to empower Black women in STEM. She also shared Google’s partnership with the National Education Equity Lab, bringing the Google Data Analytics certificate to Howard University and Title 1 high schools nationwide.
- Racquel Oden, Chair of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, presented a surprise $20K scholarship to Fayetteville State University student Alyssa Henson, supporting her educational journey.
- Fantasia and Walmart proudly joined forces for “HBCUers Dream Big,” an empowering mentoring experience for aspiring women entrepreneurs from Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University. This impactful collaboration celebrates the transformative power of mentorship, igniting the potential of HBCU students to lead the future of business and innovation.
- Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, announced the continuation of the “Boss on Campus” initiative, reaffirming her commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and scholarships designed to support their academic and professional growth.
- Jeron Smith, Founder of The Incubation Lab, awarded a $10K scholarship to Howard University student Suleni T. Sabio-Arzu, helping her complete her education.
The HBCU Honors’ extraordinary sponsors prove that partnerships can serve a greater purpose. Their support amplifies the voices and stories of HBCU alumni, students, and the broader Black community. This event and television program is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and a testament to the potential of investing in culture and community.
An extended version of the 2nd Annual HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble, is now available on the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel. For more updates, Blue Carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes content, subscribe to the HBCU Honors YouTube Channel, www.hbcuhonors.org, or follow @hbcu_honors on social media. #HBCUHonors #CelebratingBlackExcellence
**Source: Nielsen Media Research | Live + SD & Live +2 Data Streams | Measurement Period: HBCU Honors Premiere: 12/1/24 vs. Prior 4 Weeks (10/28/24-11/24/24) | Reach Stat (1-min qualifier) based on Live+2 Data Stream | Median Age, Median Income and Audience Compositions all based on P2+. | Competitive Award Show Stat = Live + Same Day, CY24 (1/1/24-12/1/24) | Type Code = AWARD CEREMONY across Broadcast, Cable Plus BET’s BET Awards across airing Nets, MTV’s Video Music Awards, and Syndication (Central City Productions) | Excludes Repeats | All Rankings based on Impressions (000)s.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tosha Whitten, FrontPage Firm
HBCU Honors Publicity
[email protected] |
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2024 HBCU HONORS BRAND PARTNERS DELIVER MEANINGFUL IMPACT & SUPPORT TO HBCUS
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| With title sponsorship from Procter & Gamble and support from major partners and brands including Mielle, Unstopables, Febreze, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, Chevrolet, Getty Images, Events DC, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Mountain Dew, Quaker Oats, State Farm, Google, The Incubation Lab, The BOSS Network, and Watch The Yard, this year’s HBCU Honors brings immersive brand experiences and impactful stories to the forefront. The evening celebrated the remarkable achievements of HBCU alumni, including powerful speeches by honorees Will Packer, Dr. Lonnie Johnson, and Jewel Burks Solomon, and unforgettable performances by Grammy-winner Fantasia, the dynamic mother-daughter duo Erica and Krista Campbell, Hezekiah Walker, hip-hop legend MC Lyte and more. Major sponsor announcements, like Google’s $5M investment in Spelman College STEM initiatives and Mielle’s $200K partnership with Hampton University’s Lady Pirates, showcased the ongoing support for HBCU excellence. (click on thumbnails to view presentations) |
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2024 HBCU HONORS SIZZLE REEL
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| Watch the HBCU Honors promo trailer and get a sneak peek of the inspiration and powerful performances coming your way! From star-studded blue carpet moments to unforgettable tributes to Black excellence, this year’s show celebrates the legacy and impact of HBCUs like never before. Hosted by Kym Whitley and featuring iconic honorees, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Watch the sizzle reel, then go to YouTube to experience HBCU Honors for yourself! |
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2024 HBCU HONORS BLUE CARPET PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
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HBCU Honors Show Host Kym Whitley
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HBCU Honors Blue Carpet hosts Joe Clair and AutumnJoi Live
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HBCU Honors Founder Michelle M. Bailey
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| The 2nd Annual HBCU Honors, Presented by Procter & Gamble garnered extensive press coverage, with features in top-tier outlets such as Variety, Yahoo!, MSN, FOX 5 DC, Upscale, Rolling Out and more, highlighting its celebration of Black excellence, cultural impact, and star-studded performances. For a snapshot of media coverage, view the detailed report here. |
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Will Packer, Fantasia Barrino, Hezekiah Walker, MC Lyte Set for 2nd Annual HBCU Honors
Kym Whitley will host ceremony celebrating alumni of HBCU institutions, to air Dec. 1 on BET
By William Earl
Producer Will Packer, singer-actor Fantasia Barrino and gospel superstar Hezekiah Walker are among the notables who will be celebrated at the 2nd annual HBCU Honors, which recognize prominent alumni of HBCU institutions. |
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The HBCU Honors Awards Show is an annual celebration that recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of individuals connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In its second year, the event highlights leaders who have made significant contributions in a variety of fields including entertainment, technology, science, education, and business. By showcasing the enduring legacy and cultural impact of HBCUs, the HBCU Honors Awards seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders while celebrating excellence, innovation, and community uplift.
Founded by Spelman College alumna Michelle Bailey, and in partnership with Expectant Media, the event not only honors accomplished HBCU alumni but also serves as a platform for emerging talent, with performances and tributes that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Black colleges and universities. Produced in collaboration with Red Summer TV Productions and Expectant Media Group, HBCU Honors will debut as a one-hour television special this December.
For more information, visit our website at www.hbcuhonors.org or follow us @hbcu_honors. |
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| For media and interview opportunities, please contact:
Tosha Whitten Griggs, FrontPage Firm
HBCU Honors Publicity
[email protected] |
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IMU MEDIA
