By Lin. Woods
Instagram @linwoods96 | LinkedIn @Lin_Woods_Inspired_Media | Facebook @Lin Woods
This Thanksgiving weekend, BET and BET Her are blessing us with a celebration that feels like family, legacy, and Sunday-morning joy all wrapped into one. The 2025 HBCU Honors premieres Sunday, November 30 at 8 PM ET/PT, and trust me, family… this year’s show is something truly special.
Hosted once again by Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, producer and proud Fisk University alum Kym Whitley, which is also my alma mater, the evening returns with heart, laughter, and a whole lot of HBCU pride. (Yes, Fisk is my alma mater too!) As Kym so beautifully says, “Hosting HBCU Honors again feels like coming home.” And for those of us shaped by the halls, history, and soul of HBCUs… it really does feel like coming home.
Honoring Icons of Faith, Culture & Innovation
This year’s honorees reflect everything our HBCUs pour into us faith, brilliance, leadership, creativity, resilience, and purpose:
- Pastor Shirley Caesar – Lifetime Achievement Award
The legendary First Lady of Gospel and proud Shaw University alumna continues to inspire the world through ministry and more than 60 years of gospel excellence. From “Hold My Mule” to the viral Thanksgiving classic “You Name It,” Pastor Caesar remains a cultural treasure whose influence transcends generations. - David Banner – Cultural Impact Award
This Grammy-nominated artist, producer, actor, and Southern University graduate has masterfully blended entertainment with activism throughout his career. Whether on BET’s The Family Business or in the streets organizing community impact, Banner is a bold, HBCU-made example of purpose in action. - Janice Bryant Howroyd – Visionary Founder Award
The first African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar enterprise, this North Carolina A&T trailblazer continues to break ceilings and open doors. As founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, her global leadership shows exactly what happens when determination meets purpose.
A Night of Music, Legacy & Rising Stars
Taped at the world-renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., the show delivers unforgettable performances that celebrate our culture, our sound, and our story.
The night was filled with soul-stirring performances, including:
- Howard University’s “OOH LALA” dancers, who lit up the stage with HBCU pride and precision.
- A powerful poetic-musical tribute from J. Ivy and vocalist Tarrey Torae, blending spoken word and melody into a reflection of Black resilience and brilliance.
- Gospel powerhouses Jekalyn Carr and Y’Anna Crawley, whose anointed voices brought the audience to its feet in praise and celebration.
- Gabby Samone, beloved American Idol finalist, who delivered a heartfelt tribute and mentored this year’s Rising Star finalists.
- A spotlight performance from the winner of the HBCU Rising Star National Talent Search, showcasing the next generation of HBCU-born greatness.
Investing in the Next Generation
This year, HBCU Honors introduces two major initiatives supporting rising talent and future storytellers:
- The HBCU Honors Rising Star National Talent Search
- The HBCU Honors Media Futures Fellowship, equipping HBCU students with hands-on experience in production, marketing, and media.
With a powerhouse production team led by HBCU alumni and culture-shapers, the HBCU Honors continues its mission to uplift, celebrate, and preserve the legacy that makes our institutions the heartbeat of Black excellence.
Don’t miss The 2025 HBCU Honors a night of culture, community, and celebration airing Sunday, November 30 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. It’s a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and the brilliance we continue to pour into the world.
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