The HBCU Power Awards has announced that civil rights icon, former Atlanta Mayor and living legend, Andrew Young will receive the "Icon Award" at this evening of excellence on Friday, October 27, 7:30PM at the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel at Morehouse College.
As a senior aide to Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during the 1960s, Andrew Young helped shape the civil rights movement and its philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
Ambassador Young joins an impressive list of honorees, including Pinky Cole (CEO, Slutty Vegan/Clark Atlanta), Charles King (CEO, MACRO/Howard University), Cynthia Bowman (SVP Chief Diversity Officer, Bank of America/Spelman College), Datari Turner (President, Foxxhole Productions), April Ryan (White House Correspondent) and Henry Goodgame (VP, External and Alumni Relation, Morehouse College).
The HBCU Power Awards will feature a performance from Motown Records recording artist Leon Thomas. The buzz worthy singer/songwriter will perform songs from the acclaimed EP Electric Dusk. STARZ POWER BOOK IV actor, Isaac Keys (Morehouse c/o '96) will co-host the show.
Founded by Sundance film producer and event producer Jash'd Kambui Belcher '99, the HBCU Power Awards honors the achievements and accomplishments of HBCU alumni and supporters who are making innovative and leading-edge achievements in business, sports, philanthropy, media, music, technology, TV, film, politics, civil service and fashion.
"We created the HBCU Power Awards to serve as a platform to celebrate black excellence and to highlight the importance of HBCUs in our communities," says Belcher. "Our honorees embody the spirit of success and commitment to community that HBCUs have instilled in students for decades."
Adds Watkins: "In a time when the existence of our HBCUs is being threatened, the HBCU Power Awards is a shining reminder of the genius and innovation that black colleges generate every year."
Presenting Sponsors of the 2023 HBCU Power Awards are Ford and Amazon. Additional sponsors include Morehouse College and Bank of America. Early Bird ticket prices start at $15/$35 and are available at HBCUPower.com.