HBCUweek

We are proud to honor Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins as our Living Legacy Honoree at the 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala.

A visionary entrepreneur, music executive, and restaurateur, Robert has spent decades shaping culture, building successful businesses, and creating opportunities for others. From working alongside some of hip hop’s biggest names to building brands like Brooklyn Chop House and Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, his impact continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.

Join us on June 12th as we celebrate a true living legacy whose journey is defined by vision, perseverance, and purpose.

We are proud to honor Phylicia Fant as our Leadership Honoree at the 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala.

A visionary executive, entrepreneur, and trusted leader, Phylicia has built a career at the intersection of culture, business, and opportunity. As the Global Director Black Music and Culture at Amazon Music, she connects artists, brands, and communities through meaningful partnerships, groundbreaking collaborations, and unforgettable cultural moments.

A proud graduate of Spelman College and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phylicia exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and impact.

Join us on June 12th as we celebrate a true conduit of culture whose work continues to shape industries, inspire communities, and create pathways for the next generation to follow.

Mayor Mike Purzycki believed in people. He believed in us. The HBCU Week Foundation would not exist without Michael S. Purzycki. His legacy lives far beyond accomplishments — it lives in the opportunities he created, the lives he touched, and the community he cared so deeply for.

Our hearts remain with Bette, the Purzycki family, and everyone mourning his loss. May we continue to honor Mayor Mike not just in words, but through the work we carry each day.

We’ll miss you, Mayor Mike.

🕊️❤️

Congratulations to the recipients of the HBCU Week Arts & Entertainment Scholarship!

This $40,000 scholarship was created to support and uplift the next generation of creatives pursuing careers in the arts and entertainment industry. Beyond financial support, each scholar will receive mentorship and access to year-round programming designed to help them grow, lead, and thrive in their respective fields.

Ahnn Saunders
Rising Junior | Delaware State University
Major: Music Industry

Aniya Bent
Rising Sophomore | Howard University
Major: Theater Arts (Musical Theater Concentration)

Nyasia King
Incoming Freshman | Delaware State University
Major: Marketing

Jerome Anderson
Incoming Freshman | Morehouse College
Major: Business Administration (Digital Marketing Concentration)

From music and theater to marketing and digital storytelling, these scholars represent the future of creativity, culture, and innovation.

These scholars are proof that talent, opportunity, and purpose can shape culture for generations to come.

Congratulations to our USTA Althea Gibson HBCU Scholarship recipients, Jamar Jackson and Emeline Honfoga!

Named in honor of Althea Gibson — the groundbreaking athlete and proud Florida A&M University alumna who broke the color barrier in tennis — this scholarship celebrates scholar-athletes who continue to open doors and create opportunities for future generations.

🏆 Jamar Jackson
North Carolina A&T State University
Mechanical Engineering

🏆 Emeline Honfoga
Rust College
Business Administration
Collegiate Tennis Athlete

Both scholars embody excellence on and off the court, carrying forward the legacy of perseverance, leadership, and determination that Althea Gibson represented so powerfully.

We’re excited to watch both of you continue breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence.

Congratulations to Torah Gibson-Islam, recipient of the Purzycki Changemaker Scholarship!

In honor of former Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki, this scholarship supports Delaware students committed to making a difference in their communities.

Torah plans to attend Delaware State University and major in Social Work — continuing the work of creating positive change for others.

We’re proud to celebrate your future!

We’re proud to announce Adam Blackstone as our Trailblazer Honoree for the 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala.

A Grammy Award-winning producer and Emmy Award-winning Music Director, Adam has shaped the sound of the world’s biggest stages — from the Super Bowl Halftime Show to the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and beyond. His work has helped define live music experiences for some of the most influential artists of our time.

Join us as we honor a true architect of culture, excellence, and impact.

Secure your seat today at hbcuweek.org

Happy National College Decision Day!

Congratulations to all the high school seniors making one of the biggest decisions of your journey. Whether you’re heading off to an HBCU or another college or university, we’re proud of you for taking this next step toward your future.

And to our future HBCU scholars — your journey is just beginning. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.

If you’re committing to an HBCU, tag us in your decision post — we want to celebrate with you!