By Patricia McDougall
The 3rd Annual HBCU Honors, presented by BET, brought an unforgettable celebration of culture, legacy and achievement to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as the 2025 production taped in Washington, D.C.
This year’s ceremony paid tribute to three towering figures whose influence spans generations: Pastor Shirley Caesar (Lifetime Achievement Award), David Banner (Cultural Impact Award) and Janice Bryant Howroyd (Visionary Founder Award). The evening featured powerful performances from Jekalyn Carr, Y’Anna Crawley, Raheem DeVaughn, MAJOR., Gabby Samone, DJ QuickSilva, J. Ivy and Tarrey Torae. The event also celebrated the Morgan State University Choir, while weaving together gospel, soul, spoken word and HBCU musical tradition. The energy continued with appearances by presenters Lance Gross, Shaun Robinson and Fawn Weaver, who helped guide the program’s tributes and storytelling.
In addition to honoring today’s trailblazers, the show spotlighted the next generation through the HBCU Honors Rising Star Talent Search, sponsored by Google, announcing its 2025 finalists and celebrating student innovation across media, production and digital storytelling. Community was front and center throughout the night, including dedicated segments honoring the Divine Nine and recognizing World AIDS Day through a partnership with Gilead Sciences. With its blend of artistry, advocacy and HBCU pride, the 2025 ceremony stands as one of the franchise’s most inspiring editions yet.
HBCU Honors premieres Sunday, November 30 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
Celebrity Shirley Caesar, a staple of the gospel scene for decades, receives the “Living Legend Award” at the HBCU Honors in Washington, D.C. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Actress and Comedian Kym Whitley hosts HBCU Honors for the second time. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
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). (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Actor Lance Gross, a Howard University alum, makes an appearance at the HBCU Honors.(AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Jamie and Eran Tyler from Love and Marriage DC attend the ceremony. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Dr. Brandy Jackson, of the Howard University School of Education, arrives at the event. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
HBCU Honors Rising Star Talent Search Winner Ronald Johnson who is a Coppin State grad. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
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. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Baltimore-based American Idol finalist, Gabby Samone, takes to the HBCU Honors stage. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Grammy nominated artist, Major, makes an appearance on the red carpet. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Grammy award winning artist Jekalyn Carr performs for the crowd. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Meshelle “Indie Mom of Comedy” Foreman warms up the audience. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Shown here, Iron “Bang” Paylor, recording artist and celebrity choreographer. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Raheem DeVaughn performs live at the HBCU Honors. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Those in attendance for the 2025 HBCU Honors celebrate the future of Black culture by shining a light on those who uplift the community. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall) 
Janice Bryant Howroyd, a California State University grad, receives the Visionary Founder Award for her work as founder of The ActOne Group. (AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall)