Atlanta, GA – Vibrant Nation City and Student Freedom Initiative HBCU Awareness Fest announces a historic celebration where culture is the goal. Anchored by a very topical concert on March 26, 2026 at the State Farm Arena HBCU ANHAR Designed to raise life-changing funds to address the student debt crisis, which disproportionately affects HBCU students.
This event is a landmark moment for black higher education.
HBCUS produces:
- 80% of black doctors and black judges
- 50% of black engineers
- 40% of black dentists
Students participating in these vital institutions cost an average of $52,000 for black bachelor’s degree holders, a burden that delays home ownership, family planning, and generational wealth building.
“This is not charity – this is an investment in our future”
It tells the mission that the HBCU is aware of.
As designed Nationwide call to actionevery dollar raised goes directly to the student freedom initiative, a trusted 501(c)(3) that supports HBCU communities year-round, a broad, student-first model.
Culture, community and influence
March 21-26, 2026, will make Atlanta the epicenter of HBCU pride:
- Kickoff
- HBCU Impact Summit
- Popular basketball game
- Divine 9 step show
- Make your comedy night laugh
- Sunday Bible practice
- And the HBCU-aware Fest concert, a culminating event that brings together global headliners and cultural leaders.
Concert band + Views
Performers included: Jill Scott, John Legend, Earth, Wind and Fire, Metro Boomin, Glorilla, Thames, Jeezy, Kirk Franklin, Coco Jones, Coco Jones, Yolanda Adams, Mickey Guyton, Adam Blackstone, Travis Greene and more.
Custom Appearances: Robert F. Smith, Mayor Andre Dickens, Chris Paul, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Larenz Tate, Angel Reese, Big Boi, 2 Chainz, Ryan Clark and more.
Plus a special performance by Alicia Keys’ Broadway Hit Hell’s Kitchen.
A festival where music moves
“It’s the kind of brands that brands of the moment want to be a part of—that meets responsibility,” the HBCU-aware FEST team notes. The festival doesn’t just bring together world-class talent—it empowers stories of resilience, creativity, and the future of black excellence.
Ticket
Tickets and mission information available AwareFest.org
