HBCU Honors Celebrates Black Excellence

HBCU Honors Founder Michelle M. Bailey at the 2024 HBCU Honors ceremony. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HBCU HONORS.
HBCU Honors Founder Michelle M. Bailey at the 2024 HBCU Honors ceremony. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HBCU HONORS.

HBCU Honors Celebrates Black Excellence

By Tia Carol Jones

Michelle M. Bailey founded HBCU Honors, with the goal of recognizing the achievements of people who are connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Recently, HBCU Honors hosted its 2nd Annual HBCU Honors Award Ceremony. Emmy-nominated filmmaker Will Packer, who graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU), received the HBCU Honors Industry Impact Award, presented by Mielle. Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Tuskegee University graduate, former NASA engineer, and inventor of the Super Soaker, received the HBCU Honors Innovation Trailblazer Award, which was presented by Florida A&M University alum Marcos Purty, Vice President of Global Quality, Supplier Quality, and Operational Excellence at General Motors. Jewel Burks Solomon, a Howard University graduate, entrepreneur, and advocate for women and diversity in technology, was presented with the HBCU Honors Founders Award by Kelesha Armand, Spelman College Alumna, and General Counsel of Consumer Banking and Deputy General Counsel of Consumer & Community Banking at JP Morgan Chase.

Bailey talked to the Citizen Newspaper about what led her to create HBCU Honors and how her own experience attending Spelman College shaped her life.

Citizen Newspaper: Why did you want to develop HBCU Honors?  

Michelle M. Bailey: HBCU Honors was born out of a deep desire to spotlight the incredible contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their alumni. These institutions have been the foundation of excellence and progress for generations, yet their stories often go untold.  

In a time when the Black community’s contributions aren’t always valued or respected as they should be, it’s more important than ever to provide inspirational programming that uplifts and celebrates our culture. HBCU Honors is about showing the world the brilliance and resilience that defines us, while also creating a platform that inspires the next generation to dream bigger, achieve more, and feel seen and valued for who they are.  

I am profoundly grateful to have partners who believe in this vision, like Expectant Media, and amazing sponsors like this year’s presenting sponsor, P&G, who make it possible to bring this dream to life. Together, we’re creating something that not only honors the past but also lights the path forward for the future.


Citizen: How important is it to celebrate people through the HBCU Honors Awards?

Bailey: It’s incredibly important. Supporting and recognizing others is not just something I do—it’s a core part of who I am. My mantra has always been to support and recognize others! Celebrating notables through HBCU Honors goes beyond mere recognition; it’s about validation, inspiration, and empowerment.  

When we honor the trailblazers, visionaries, and change-makers from HBCUs, we’re sending a powerful message: “Your contributions matter, your work is valued, and your legacy will endure.” This celebration serves as a beacon of hope and motivation, especially for those who follow in their footsteps, showing the next generation what is possible when excellence meets opportunity. It also reaffirms the significance of HBCUs as institutions that continue to shape our culture, drive progress, and create a lasting impact on society.


Citizen: What led to choosing the leaders for this year’s event?

Bailey: The leaders we selected this year truly embody the spirit of HBCUs: resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. Each honoree and participant has not only achieved excellence in their respective fields but has also used their platform to uplift others and create pathways for future generations.  

Our choices were guided by a heartfelt desire to showcase the incredible diversity of talent across industries while honoring individuals who reflect the very best of what HBCUs have to offer. These leaders stand as living testaments to the transformative power of HBCUs, reminding us of all the boundless potential within our communities and inspiring others to dream and achieve beyond their limits.


Citizen: How integral was your own attendance at an HBCU to the success that you have now?

 Bailey: Attending an HBCU was transformative for me. Spelman College was a game changer!! It instilled in me a sense of purpose, pride, and responsibility to give back. The nurturing environment, the sisterhood, coupled with high expectations, developed the confidence and skills needed to succeed in any arena. Like Will Packer said in his speech, at my HBCU I was made to feel that I can do anything! My HBCU experience is at the core of everything I do, including the creation of HBCU Honors.


Citizen: What do you see as the lasting legacy of HBCU Honors?

Bailey: The lasting legacy of HBCU Honors is the celebration of excellence, inspiration, and empowerment. It’s about honoring the rich history and enduring contributions of HBCUs while igniting a vision for a future filled with unlimited potential.  

HBCU Honors preserves the stories that deserve to be told, amplifies the historic achievements of trailblazers who paved the way, and creates opportunities for continued growth and excellence within our communities. It stands as a bridge—connecting the legacy of resilience and progress with the aspirations of the next generation, ensuring that the impact of HBCUs is felt not just today, but for generations to come.


Citizen: What do you hope the next generation takes away from HBCU Honors?  

Bailey: My hope is that the next generation feels a profound sense of pride, connection, and inspiration. We want them to see themselves reflected in the stories of excellence and resilience that define HBCUs and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the transformative impact these institutions have had on our nation.  

More importantly, we want viewers to feel empowered—to support HBCUs in meaningful ways, whether by attending, donating, or simply sharing their stories with others. By fostering this connection, we aim to ensure that the legacy of HBCUs continues to thrive, empowering future generations to dream bigger, achieve more, and honor the institutions that have been pivotal to our collective progress.


Citizen: What’s next for you and HBCU Honors going into 2025?

Bailey: Looking ahead to 2025, our vision is to expand the reach and deepen the impact of HBCU Honors. We’re dedicated to creating even more opportunities for collaboration, introducing fresh and dynamic programming, and ensuring the event continues to shine as a premier celebration of HBCU culture and excellence.  

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to growth—not just for the platform, but for the communities we serve. We’ll continue exploring innovative ways to support education, provide scholarships, and uplift the next generation of leaders. 2025 marks a new chapter for HBCU Honors, and we’re excited to build on its legacy while amplifying its influence and importance on a national scale.


Citizen: Where can people go to find out more about you and HBCU Honors?

Bailey: For more information about HBCU Honors, you can visit HBCUHonors.org. Stay connected with us on social media for exciting updates, stories, and highlights from past and upcoming events. Follow us on Instagram @hbcu_honors, Facebook, and TikTok at @hbcuhonors. Additionally, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@HBCU-Honors for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, an extended version of the show with full performances, and an inside look at all the action leading up to, during and following the event.


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