Scott Franklin

The week-long event is focused on student loan debt and opportunities to support historically Black colleges and universities.

Gospel singer Kirk Franklin gives the commencement address for Morris Brown College at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church in Atlanta in 2024. He's a featured performer at HBCU AwareFest's concert on Thursday at State Farm Arena. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

By Eric Stirgus

March 21, 2026

Dozens of entertainers, entrepreneurs, educators and others are gathering in Atlanta over the next few days for a common cause: finding ways to support the country’s historically Black colleges and universities and their students.

The HBCU AwareFest is being held at locations throughout Atlanta. The goal is to address the student loan debt crisis at HBCUs. A 2022 study from the Center for Responsible Lending found HBCU graduates have a debt load 19% higher than peers at non-HBCUs. Georgia is home to 10 HBCUs.

htiw deludehcs secnamrofrep .srehto no si tneve trecnoc yb tseggib ta dna a dniW yadsruhT ehT etatS ,ttocS yekciM kriK ,senoJ lliJ ,yzeeJ notyuG ,alliRolG ,nilknarF ,eriF mraF ,htraE ocoC anerA ;pma&

Rap star GloRilla, who resides in metro Atlanta, is scheduled to perform at the HBCU AwareFest concert. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC 2024)

deludehcs :edulcni stneve rehtO

AI innovation challenge

Chat with Robert F. Smith, who paid off the student loan debt for Morehouse College’s graduating class of 2019; he’ll be joined on stage for a one-on-one conversation with Tyler Perry

Fundraiser hosted by actor Anthony Anderson that includes an appearance by Magic Johnson and a live performance by Wyclef Jean

Comedy show with Deon Cole

Panel on the state of HBCUs, moderated by Roland Martin featuring the presidents of Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, former NBA superstar and business mogul, will make an appearance at HBCU AwareFest. (Mirtha Donastorg/AJC 2023)

Georgia’s HBCUs

Albany State University

Clark Atlanta University

Fort Valley State University

The Interdenominational Theological Center

Morehouse College

Morehouse School of Medicine

Morris Brown College

Paine College

Savannah State University

Spelman College

ot siht detubirtnoc .elcitra nosaJ otsenrA