With a lineup featuring celebs like Jill Scott, Coco Jones, and GloRilla, and panels with notables like pastor Jamal Bryant and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, HBCU AwareFest is the hottest ticket in town this week.
Created by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, the city of Atlanta, and Mayor Andre Dickens, this weeklong series of cultural, educational, philanthropic, and entertainment events will take place at venues around the city. The goal is to address some of the most pressing issues facing Black America and celebrate HBCUs.
Join HBCU students and alums at these events this week.
InternXL AI Innovation Challenge at AwareFest
Date: March 23
Time: 5 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Gathering Spot, 384 Northyards Blvd. NW, Atlanta
At this live pitch competition, student teams will present AI-powered projects to address real-world challenges across health care, climate, education, and public policy.
HBCU AwareFest Presents: Deon Cole and Guests
Date: March 24
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta
Hosted by Chris Spencer, this comedy show features Deon Cole and guests.
The State of HBCUs Executive Summit
Date: March 25
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ebenezer Baptist Church, 101 Jackson St. NE, Atlanta
HBCU presidents, policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and business executives discuss the current state and future of Black education.
All In for HBCUs: Casino Royale Fundraiser
Date: March 25
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Location: Hotel Phoenix, 70 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
Anthony Anderson and Rocsi Diaz will host an entertaining evening featuring Magic Johnson and performance by Wyclef Jean.
Fireside Chat on Philanthropy with Robert F. Smith
Date: March 26
Time: 2:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Location: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta
Billionaire and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, FUBU founder Daymond John, Southern Co. CEO Chris Womack, and media mogul Tyler Perry discuss the state of Black philanthropy.
Date: March 26
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: State Farm Arena 1 State Farm Drive Atlanta
Hosted by Nick Cannon, the closing night concert and HBCU fundraiser features John Legend, Jill Scott, Tems, Common, Jeezy, Earth, Wind & Fire, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, Coco Jones, Kirk Franklin, and more. Special guests include Angel Reese, Chris Paul, Ludacris, 2 Chainz, and Will Packer.
