The 7th Annual HBCU Week Awards Gala has officially announced its distinguished lineup of honorees for the upcoming celebration on July 12. Co-hosted by HBCU Week Foundation Founder Ashley Christopher Anthony and Emmy Award-winning actor Anthony Anderson, the prestigious event will take place at the historic Hotel DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware. This year’s gala is set to celebrate exceptional leaders who have made a significant impact across music, culture, business, and higher education.
This year’s honorees represent some of the most influential voices shaping modern culture. Among the prominent figures being recognized is Adam Blackstone, who will receive the Trailblazer Award. Blackstone is a Grammy Award-winning producer, Emmy Award-winning Music Director, and Tony Award-nominated orchestrator who has directed major performances for Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Justin Timberlake, as well as high-profile events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl Halftime Shows.
Events like the HBCU Week Awards Gala play a vital role in highlighting the intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. By honoring industry giants who have paved the way in music and business, the foundation not only celebrates their individual achievements but also inspires the next generation of students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This celebration underscores how cultural leaders can leverage their platforms to support higher education and community development.
Honoring Cultural and Music Pioneers
In addition to Blackstone, the gala will present the Leadership Award to Phylicia Fant, the Global Director of Black Music and Culture at Amazon Music. Fant is a highly respected cultural strategist who has led major campaigns for global artists such as Beyoncé, Usher, and Janelle Monáe. Her work continues to elevate Black music and representation on a global scale.
The Living Legacy Award will be presented to Robert “Don Pooh” Cummins, a legendary music executive, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Brooklyn Chop House. Cummins has spent decades shaping hip-hop culture, working alongside icons like Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G., and serving as Executive Vice President of MCA Records. Today, he continues to build an impressive entrepreneurial empire that bridges entertainment and hospitality.
Supporting the Next Generation
The foundation will also honor Robert O. Wright III with the Rising Star Award. As an NCAA Division I student-athlete, Wright represents the emerging leadership and academic dedication that the HBCU Week Foundation strives to foster. The gala serves as a key fundraising and awareness vehicle to support the foundation’s ongoing mission of providing scholarship opportunities and resources to students.
With a star-studded host lineup and an exceptional group of honorees, the upcoming gala promises to be an inspiring night of celebration and philanthropy. By bringing together leaders from entertainment, business, and education, the event continues to champion the enduring legacy and bright future of HBCUs.
