HBCU Honors celebrate Black excellence
By Patricia McDougall
On Nov. 20, the HBCU Honors Foundation held its third annual HBCU Honors event at the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Washington, D.C. The ceremony honored historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Black excellence at its best.
Actress and comedian Kym Whitley returned to host the event, serving as mistress of ceremonies. Honorees for this year included Pastor Shirley Caesar,
a Shaw University graduate; Jancie Bryant Howroyd, a North Agricultural and Technical State University alumna and David Banner, a Southern University and A and M College grad.
The star-studded red carpet pulled together celebrities that took to the stage to remind all in attendance of the talent that HBCUs bring to the communities. The event will air on television on Nov. 30 on BET.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Pastor Shirley Caesar, a staple of the gospel scene for decades, receives the “Living Legend Award” at the HBCU Honors in Washington, D.C.
Actress and comedian Kym Whitley hosts HBCU Honors for the second time.
Shown here, Michelle M. Bailey, founder and CEO of the HBCU Honors Foundation (right); Dorinda Walker, the foundation’s executive director; and Board Chair Michele Ghee (left).
Actor Lance Gross, a Howard University alum, makes an appearance at the HBCU Honors.
Jamie and Eran Tyler from Love and Marriage DC attend the ceremony.
Dr. Brandy Jackson, of the Howard University School of Education, arrives at the event.
Grammy Award-winning artist Clifford Joseph “T.I.” Harris Jr. (left) shares a moment with longtime friend, collaborator and Grammy-nominated artist, David Banner, a Southern University alumn and recipient of the Cultural Impact Award.
Baltimore-based American Idol finalist, Gabby Samone, takes to the HBCU Honors stage.
Meshelle “Indie Mom of Comedy” Foreman warms up the audience.
Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raheem DeVaughn performs live at the HBCU Honors.
Those in attendance for the 2025 HBCU Honors celebrate the future of Black culture by shining a light on those who uplift the community.
Janice Bryant Howroyd, a California State University grad, receives the Visionary Founder Award for her work as founder of The ActOne Group.
Kappa Silhouettes host annual toy drive
By AFRO Staff
On Nov. 22 the Kappa Silhouettes held their annual toy drive. For more than a decade the Silhouettes have been a driving force behind the Christmas cheer experienced by families across Baltimore City. With 144 toys donated by those in attendance. From dolls to art sets and learning games and small keyboards, recipients are sure
to enjoy the offerings from this year’s volunteers.
All gifts collected will go towards Afro Charities’ Mrs. Santa Toy Giveaway. Members of the Afro Charities team will hold the Mrs. Santa program at Furman L. Templeton Elementary School, located at 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 12 p.m.- 3 p.m.
AFRO Photos/ Nyame-Kye Kondo
Lashawn Scroggins, of Baltimore Alpha Wives, shows her support for the Kappa Silhouette holiday initiative.
Members of Kappas Alpha Psi Fraternity from Howard University put on a show for those in attendance.
Camellia D. Clark, vice president of the Baltimore Silhouettes, deems the event a success.
DJ Eric spins tunes for the audience, surrounded by some of the gifts donated.
Afro Charities members pose with partners of the 2025 Kappas Silhouettes Toy Drive. Shown here, Deyane Moses (front, left), Afro Charities director of programs and partnerships; Jackie Brock; Freddi Vaughn; Gary Delemos; Victor Green (back, left); AFRO Director of Community and Public Relations Diane Hocker: Bob and Janette Cepeda, Joan Pratt and Mildred Harper (back, right).
Attendees dance and fellowship as they come together for a cause. Kita Holmes enjoys the festivities.
AFRO Board Member Laura Byrd (left) and AFRO Director of Community and Public Relations Diane Hocker (center) share a moment with Afro Charities Director of Programs and Partnerships Deyane Moses.
President of the Baltimore Silhouettes, Audrey Bennett (right), catches up with her dear friend and soror, Basileus of the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Jan Carter.