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ATLANTA— Live Nation Urban (LNU) and Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) have announced a stacked lineup for the inaugural HBCU AWAREFEST.
The weeklong event, featuring a star-studded concert, panel discussions, small business fair, health and wellness events, and free food trucks, will be held March 21-26. The activities kicks off with the 2026 HBCU Impact Fest at the Atlanta University Center’s Robert W. Woodruff Library and Promenade with a number of panel discussions.
Students and the public are invited to attend the panels, which include “Building Wisdom, Not Debt: A Real Conversation About Money” with MC Lyte and Dr. Lynn Richardson, and “Health is Wealth: Protecting Your Power, Your Joy, & Your Future,” presented by Gilead, moderated by TS Madison and featuring rapper, Saucy Santana, among others.
AWAREFEST continues Tuesday, March 24, at The Tabernacle, an historic, multi-level special event venue in downtown Atlanta, with a special fundraising comedy show, “HBCU AWAREFEST Presents: Deon Cole & Guests,” hosted by comedian Chris Spencer.
On Wednesday, March 25, “The State of HBCUs Executive Summit,” features the conversation, “From Student Loan Debt to Institutional Competitiveness: Reimagining the Future of Black Higher Education,” moderated by Roland Martin, news commentator and host of Roland Martin Unfiltered, and in conversation with Keith B. Shoates, President and CEO, Student Freedom Initiative, and several HBCU presidents.
That same evening, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Anthony Anderson and Emmy Award-winning host Rocsi Diaz will host “All in for HBCs: A Casino Royale fundraiser,” a Vegas-inspired event at Atlanta’s new Hotel Phoenix for a night of casino gaming, gourmet food, and premium cocktails. The event also features a special guest appearance by Global Sports icon, businessman and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and a live performance by Wyclef Jean.
On Thursday, March 26, AWAREFEST WEEK also offers an opportunity for change-makers seeking meaningful engagement with the minds shaping the future of Black wealth, with its fireside chat on philanthropy with billionaire investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith. Moderated by CNBC reporter Frank Holland, and in conversation with Daymond John and Chris Womack, this intimate conversation at State Farm Arena (Suite-level banquet space) places attendees in the room with Smith, and a select group of celebrity philanthropists whose giving has driven national impact. In addition, there will be a one-on-one conversation between Smith and Tyler Perry.
AWAREFEST WEEK concludes with the star-studded concert at State Farm Arena hosted by Nick Cannon andfeaturing performances from Jill Scott, Common, Jeezy, Earth, Wind, & Fire, GloRilla, Metro Boomin, Kirk Franklin, BigXThaPlug and friends, along with remarks from Chris Paul, Robert F. Smith, Angel Reese, Ryan Clark, and more. The full performance lineup is available online.
Registration for all events is available at awarefest.org.